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  • Diagnostic Test for Idiopathic Scoliosis

    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060605/nym229.html?.v=33

    Paradigm Spine to Fund Trailblazing Genetic Research to Introduce the First Diagnostic Test Able to Predict Idiopathic Scoliosis
    Monday June 5, 12:43 pm ET
    Test Could Benefit Millions of Children Globally

    NEW YORK, June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly developed diagnostic test that promises to radically change the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is to be evaluated in trials funded by Paradigm Spine, LLC. ('Paradigm'). The trials will be conducted at Montreal's renowned Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center ('Ste.-Justine'), known globally for its research into scoliosis and other neuro-musculoskeletal diseases. Paradigm focuses on development of less invasive and tissue-sparing treatments for spinal diseases.

    Marc R. Viscogliosi, Paradigm's Chief Executive, told an audience at Ste.- Justine: "I believe we may be on the brink of discovering the secret to the causes of scoliosis that until now were so complex that children were diagnosed purely on visual examination -- long after the disease had taken hold."

    Paradigm signed an agreement with Ste.-Justine to provide cash and various other resources through 2008 to complete trials of a blood test devised by Dr. Alain Moreau, director of Ste. Justine's Bone Molecular Genetics and Skeletal Malformations Laboratories.

    For Dr. Moreau, successful trials will validate work begun in 2001 under the auspices of the Yves Cotrel Foundation, in France, and continued at Ste.- Justine. Idiopathic scoliosis afflicts more than one million adolescents (10- 16 years old), in North America of which 13% may undergo therapeutic bracing treatment or some form of surgical correction.

    To date the test has proven effective in identifying the presence of a genetic marker in animals and post-scoliotic patients. The proposed clinical trials are intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of the test using blood samples from early-stage scoliosis patients and an unaffected control group.

    "Dr. Moreau's trailblazing work suggests a major scientific breakthrough that would change the way adolescent scoliosis is diagnosed and treated. We have followed his work for some time and are delighted to provide support for this critical trial," Mr. Viscogliosi said.

    In its agreement with Ste.-Justine, Paradigm will receive the exclusive worldwide license to commercialize, manufacture, distribute, or sub-license any device, genetic tests, therapeutic agents, or any future technology derived from Dr. Moreau's scoliosis research.

    Dr. Moreau said: "Scoliosis is a gradual, debilitating condition, both physically and psychologically. Treatment is difficult because, until the curvature of the spine exceeds a 'normal' angle, indicating scoliotic progression, very little can be done to correct it. We hope that this new test will provide the answer so that timely and less invasive measures can be adopted to effectively treat the disease."

    According to Dr. Moreau, the results of his research, that began in 2001, made him optimistic that the progression of scoliosis would be predictable in infants using well understood genetic markers.

    "The possibility of applying the results to future genetically based therapies is also very real and obviously quite exciting," Dr. Moreau added.

    Paradigm has followed closely Dr. Moreau's research and that of his colleagues for more than five years through its relationship with his colleague at Ste.-Justine, Dr. Charles Rivard. Dr. Rivard is the inventor of Orthobiom, an experimental non-fusion treatment for late stage scoliosis, also being developed by Paradigm.

    Mr. Viscogliosi added: "Underwriting Dr. Moreau's research will, we hope, be life changing not only for affected children, but also for my family. Having spent most of our working lives in the field of musculoskeletal research and development, my brothers and I are now fortunate to be able to provide significant funds for advancing life-changing treatments and technologies.

    During the past decade the Viscogliosi brothers have supported orthopedic and musculoskeletal development work at three university hospital spine units in France and at the New York Hospital for Special Surgery, the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, and the American Spinal Injury Association. The Viscogliosi brothers also founded the Spine Arthroplasty Society and several other spine-related organizations.

    The clinical trials for Dr. Moreau's new diagnostic test will include panels of children attending the three Ste.-Justine scoliosis clinics, as well as a control group of children with no symptoms of the disease. The results of the trials are expected to be available in early 2008.
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

  • #2
    Linda,
    This is a fabulous report. It may come to late from many of us, but for my grandkids and their kids what a great thing. The next would be to alter the gene responsible before anything even happened
    SandyC

    Comment


    • #3
      Linda,

      Thanks so much for that information. I knew there was a reason that I am willing to travel 7 hours each way to Saint Justine's.

      That is very exciting. I only wish all of this could have been happening sooner to help all of the adults and children today.

      Melissa
      Melissa
      From Bucks County, Pa., USA

      Mom to Matthew,19, Jessica, 17, and Nicole, 14
      Nicole had surgery with Dr. Dormans on 9/12/07 at Children's Hospital of Phila. She is fused T-2 - L-3

      Comment


      • #4
        This is very exciting! I'm so very proud of the doctors at Ste. Justine This is why I commute 5 hours each way! I think there was a thread entitled Canadian doctors being in the "dark ages" and I certainly think news like this dispels these notions. Come to think of it.....wasn't it a Canadian dr who invented the Boston brace ?????
        Last edited by Celia; 06-06-2006, 10:18 AM.

        Canadian eh
        Daughter, Deirdre born Oct 2000. Diagnosed with 60 degree curve at the age of 19 months. Serial casting by Dr. Hedden at Sick Kid's Hospital. Currently being treated by Dr. Rivard and Dr. Coillard in Montreal with the Spinecor brace and curve is holding at "2" degrees. Next appointment 2008

        Comment


        • #5
          Celia...

          I saw the news yesterday and was so excited. Yes, Montreal is advanced as far as scoliosis research is.
          35 y/old female from Montreal, Canada
          Diagnosed with scoliosis(double major) at age 12, wore Boston brace 4 years at least 23 hours a day-curve progressed
          Surgery age 26 for 60 degree curve in Oct. 1997 by Dr.Max Aebi-fused T5 to L2
          Surgery age 28 for a hook removal in Feb. 1999 by Dr.Max Aebi-pain free for 5 years
          Surgery age 34 in Dec.2005 for broken rod replacement, bigger screws and crosslinks added and pseudarthrosis(non union) by Dr. Jean Ouellet

          Comment


          • #6
            all getting carried away a bit here, it is only a trial, to me scoliosis is a too complicated illness to be diagnosible, and predictable and preventable through a simple blood test, i am sure the medical world is full of research of this kind, most of it will not practically affect the outcome for the majority of patients.

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            • #7
              Gerbo......
              You may be right, it is only a trial. And yes scoliosis is complicated it seems unbeleivable that they could diagnose something so complicated with a simple blood test,
              but..... at least there doing something. And being a monther of two children who have a hight chance (so I was told)of having it, news like this is very encouraging and was the best for me. I cried trew the whole thing.

              Yes it is only a trial, and yes it may not be used in time for my kids, but it may be in use for when they have their family.
              And to me that is fantastique!!
              Maybe I'm crazy to think it will be in use one day, but Ilike to think I am just positive.

              Cic.

              Comment


              • #8
                I agree ! You have to open your mind to the possible Preliminary tests look promising so why not celebrate

                Canadian eh
                Daughter, Deirdre born Oct 2000. Diagnosed with 60 degree curve at the age of 19 months. Serial casting by Dr. Hedden at Sick Kid's Hospital. Currently being treated by Dr. Rivard and Dr. Coillard in Montreal with the Spinecor brace and curve is holding at "2" degrees. Next appointment 2008

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by CicfromOttawa
                  And yes scoliosis is complicated it seems unbeleivable that they could diagnose something so complicated with a simple blood test,
                  i do not think diagnosing scoliosis is the problem, it is predicting which ones will progress and decide how to treat effectively, which are the main issues to be resolved.

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                  • #10
                    Paradigm Spine to Fund Trailblazing Genetic Research to Introduce the First Diagnostic Test Able to Predict Idiopathic Scoliosis
                    Monday June 5, 12:43 pm ET
                    Test Could Benefit Millions of Children Globally
                    also, do not forget, this is a commercial company, keen to sell a product for the benefit of its shareholders, just take everything with a few pinches of salt and base judgement on the outcome of properly conducted trials, once those outcomes are available........

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      The company is not publicly listed in the stock market. It's privately owned.

                      Canadian eh
                      Daughter, Deirdre born Oct 2000. Diagnosed with 60 degree curve at the age of 19 months. Serial casting by Dr. Hedden at Sick Kid's Hospital. Currently being treated by Dr. Rivard and Dr. Coillard in Montreal with the Spinecor brace and curve is holding at "2" degrees. Next appointment 2008

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        correction; keen to sell a produkt for the financial benefit of the company's owner (s)...... (celia cries tears of exasperation, why oh why could he not have stayed in the netherlands )

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                        • #13
                          I can see you're just as stubborn as I am

                          Canadian eh
                          Daughter, Deirdre born Oct 2000. Diagnosed with 60 degree curve at the age of 19 months. Serial casting by Dr. Hedden at Sick Kid's Hospital. Currently being treated by Dr. Rivard and Dr. Coillard in Montreal with the Spinecor brace and curve is holding at "2" degrees. Next appointment 2008

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            only when i am right

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Gerbo,

                              I didn't realize you weren't from England. But I am sure my daughter and I would still love the accent.

                              I understand what you are saying about the research. But like many of the other Parents, I feel very strongly that something positive in the field of scoli is just around the corner. I need to feel positive and hopeful. The alternative isn't much fun.

                              On another note, I would love to see some scoliosis magnets for the car. Has anyone seen anything like this? They have support for cancer, autism, etc. Anyone know?


                              Melissa
                              Melissa
                              From Bucks County, Pa., USA

                              Mom to Matthew,19, Jessica, 17, and Nicole, 14
                              Nicole had surgery with Dr. Dormans on 9/12/07 at Children's Hospital of Phila. She is fused T-2 - L-3

                              Comment

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