A to Z of MS Esperanza Homeopathic NeuroPeptide

Esperanza Homeopathic NeuroPeptide is the brand name of an unlicensed product that has been developed by Biotherapeutics Inc. Peptides are short linked chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. This product is a peptide whose active ingredient is derived from a protein called alpha-cobratoxin, which is extracted from cobra venom.

It is claimed that the peptide regulates the immune system and allows messages to be conducted across nerve/muscle junctions.

The peptide is taken as a sublingual (under the tongue) spray at the same time each day. The product must be taken regularly for the effect to be maintained as it stays in the body for a maximum of 26 hours.

Research

There is currently no peer reviewed published evidence of long-term efficacy or safety for this treatment in multiple sclerosis. No formal analysis of data collected so far has been reported. There are anecdotal accounts of benefits of the treatment in MS. It is claimed that there is often measurable improvements within the first few days of treatment in speech, balance and motor function, as well as a decrease in fatigue.

The Esperanza Research Foundation was established by the manufacturer in 1986 in Florida. The Foundation is currently investigating the effects of the peptide in what they call 'open clinical trials'. Participants are expected to pay for treatment and tests and have to commit for a minimum of six months. It is not standard practise in the UK for people participating in a clinical trial to pay for treatment. The study does not evaluate the peptide against a placebo (dummy) treatment. The goal of the study is to statistically evaluate any changes/improvements observed in participants.

A small trial of the peptide has been carried out in people with adrenomyeloneuropathy, a rare inherited disorder, which results in damage to myelin. Although the treatment was well tolerated, the authors observed no significant improvements with therapy and concluded that the study did not confirm previous anecdotal reports of dramatic improvements.

References

Mundy HR, Jones SJ, Hobart JC, et al.
A randomized controlled study of modified cobratoxin in adrenomyeloneuropathy.
Neurology 2003; 61(4): 528-530.
abstract

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