
About Avemar
Avemar Cancer Treatment and Autoimmune Treatment Information
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COMPOSITION
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INGREDIENTS
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PACKAGING & STORAGE
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PREPARATION, DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
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LENGTH OF TREATMENT
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MECHANISMS OF ACTION - HOW AVEMAR WORKS
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EFFECTIVENESS AND PROVEN PROPERTIES
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INDICATIONS - WHO SHOULD TAKE AVEMAR
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SAFETY PROFILE
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SIDE EFFECTS
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KNOWN INTERACTIONS
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CONTRAINDICATIONS
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AVEMAR REGISTRATION STATUS
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HOW 'AVEMAR' [HAIL MARY] GOT IT'S NAME
1. COMPOSITION
Avemar is a mixture of molecules with a standardized composition derived from chemically modified natural materials. The main component is wheat germ, from which several different substances are extracted. These substances are then altered by means of fermentational and bio-technological transformation, all in conformation to the quality standards set out for pharmaceutical production (GMP, ISO 9001:2000). After their concentration, the active ingredients are extracted using various physicochemical processes and then molecularly encapsulated and formulated. The result is a semi-natural, semi-synthetic substance in granular form which must be dissolved in water before being ingested. Owing to its complex nature, Avemar contains numerous additional molecules besides its main ingredient.
2. INGREDIENTS
Each 17g sachet contains:
Avemar pulvis [dried fermented wheat germ extract 63.2%, maltodextrin, silicon dioxide], fructose, natural flavour, sodium chloride. Contains gluten.
3. PACKAGING AND STORAGE
Each box of Avemar contains 30 individual sachets. There are 17g of product in each sachet.
As some of Avemar's active ingredients are slightly heat sensitive, the final product must be kept in a refrigerator. The manufacturer recommends to store between 5 - 15 degrees C [ 39 - 59 degrees F]. No harm will come to the product should it be accidentally left at room temperature for a few days. However, exposure to temperatures above 30 °C for even as few as 24 hours will damage Avemar.
4. Preparation, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Avemar comes in a powder form. It is available in a box of 30 sachets. One box of AVEMAR? weighs 510 g (30 x 17g per sachet). This is a one month supply.
Preparation of a single dose:
Dissolve by shaking in a container the contents of one sachet with 150 ml of cold water. Once the Avemar solution has been made, it should be consumed within 30 minutes. Any unused solution should be discarded.
Dosage:
For an adult of average weight (~70 kg), a single daily dose of 1 sachet (17g), prepared according to the above instructions, is recommended, ideally consumed approximately 1 hour before or after eating a meal, and two hours before or after any drugs or other dietary supplements.
Patients with a body weight of 90 kg [200lbs] or more should consume 2 sachets (34g) per day, ideally 1 hour before breakfast and 1 hour before dinner.
Avemar can also be prepared and consumed in soft drinks, non-carbonated mineral water, tea, cocoa or even soft yoghurt, providing that their vitamin C or ascorbic acid content is not significant. For those patients who are consuming vitamin C, allow 2 hours between the vitamin C preparation and the Avemar preparation.
Consult with a healthcare professional for recommended usage levels for children under 14 years of age, for guidance on alternative usage levels, and use in combination with other dietary supplements.
Taste:
There are some references in various studies and internet sites regarding Avemar's unpleasant taste. These references were made before the original 'sweetener' was replaced with fructose. The taste is now very palatable.
5. LENGTH OF TREATMENT
As a Complementary Cancer Treatment, people often report improvements in appetite, energy and daily activity within 3 weeks of beginning to take Avemar daily. Objective measures in terms of blood markers, CAT scans, MRI's etc, typically occur within 3 months.
For long-term results, one should use Avemar for at least 6 months. Human clinical trials involving hundreds of subjects taking Avemar daily over a period of several years have proven it is safe and beneficial for long term use. Since Avemar supports the basic mechanisms that the body utilizes to respond to stress and the daily challenges to health, it may make sense to use it continuously.
6. MECHANISMS OF ACTION - HOW AVEMAR WORKS
Effects on the Immune System:
Restoration of damaged immune response
Avemar has the ability to repair damaged immune systems and improve the functioning of the cellular immune response, an effect which is derived from it's stimulatory effect on the maturation and differentiation of bone marrow lymphocytes. Avemar's stimulatory effect on cellular immune response plays an important role in its clinical effectiveness, acting as an autoimmune cancer treatment.
Increase of blastic transformation:
"Our in vitro results show that Avemar pre-treatment of mice increases the blastic transformation inducing effect of Con A on peripheral T lymphocytes."
"From a therapeutic point of view, the immuno-stimulatory and immune function reconstructing effects, as well as blastic transformation enhancing potential of Avemar, may be exploited in various cases of immune response."
Effect of MSC on the immune response of mice. Immunopharmacology 41: 183-186. 1999. Scientific Paper - No 4. http://www.avemar.com/docs/4_IMMUNO.pdf
Effects on the metabolism of cancer cells:
[a] Alters glucose/nucleic acid metabolism.
One of the most characteristic features of cancer cell biochemistry is the use of glucose, primarily for ribose synthesis, a key element of the nucleotides needed for DNA and RNA synthesis, whereas normal cells use glucose primarily for energy consumption processes. Avemar has a strong, specific and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on nucleotide/nucleic acid synthesis from glucose, forcing the cancer cells to use glucose for the synthesis of non-essential fatty acids and lipids just as normal cells do.
The key enzyme of ribose synthesis is transketolase. Avemar inhibits the activity of transketolase, thus decreasing or preventing the proliferation of cancer cells. As a result, the spread of malignant disease will be slowed or arrested and the performance status of patients taking Avemar will be improved.
Wheat germ extract decreases glucose uptake and RNA ribose formation but increases fatty acid synthesis in MIA pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Pancreas 23: 141-147. 2001.
Scientific Paper - No 10 http://www.avemar.com/docs/10_PANCREAS.pdf
[b] Inhibits the synthesis of MHC-I (main histo-compatibility-I) molecules on the surface of tumour cells.
This protein acts as a disguise, making the tumour cells appear as normal. With the tumour cells 'unmasked', this leads to their destruction by the NK [Natural Killer] cells. The inhibition of MCH-I synthesis contributes to the increase of cellular immune response and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation.
Fermented wheat germ extract induces apoptosis and downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I proteins in tumor T and B cell lines. Int J Oncol 20: 563-570. 2002.
Scientific Paper - No 26 http://www.avemar.com/docs/26_Int_J_Oncol.pdf
[c] Enhances TNF- Alpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha) production
TNF - Alpha is one of the major cytokines capable of killing tumour cells. By increasing it's production, tumour angiogenesis [growth of new blood vessels] is ameliorated and apoptosis [programmed cell death] of the cancer cells is directly stimulated.
[d] Increase in ICAM-1 level
The intracellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 (CD54) ensures that immuno-competent cells can pass through vessel walls in order to approach cancer cells and kill them. Malignant tumours cannot grow beyond a diameter of 1 mm without developing their own vessel system (tumour angiogenesis). As newly developed tumour vessels contain a very low level of ICAM*I, immuno-competent cells do not invade the tumour via it's vessels. Avemar has a significant stimulatory effect on ICAM-1 protein synthesis, thus enhancing the cellular anti-cancer immune response. Avemar achieves this both directly and indirectly, by increasing the TNF - Alpha production of macrophages, which helps leukocytes and lymphocytes reach the tumour cells.
Synergistic Effect of Avemar on Proinflammatory Cytokine Production and Ras-Mediated Cell Activation. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1051: 515-528. 2005.
Scientific Paper - No 43 http://www.avemar.com/docs/44_Telekes_et_al-NY.pdf
[e] Stimulation of apoptosis (programmed cell death) of tumour cells
Avemar's influence on apoptosis is one of the most important aspects of it's effect mechanism. The balance between apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cell proliferation is of primary importance in the histological integrity of tissues. A decreased ratio of apoptosis is a typical feature of malignant transformation. Avemar increases the apoptosis of tumour cells, resulting in their death, yet, at the same time, does not influence the life cycle of normal cells.
Cell cycle studies revealed an increased ratio of sub-G1/S phase cells at the detriment of S phase cells (an indirect marker of apoptosis); this was also demonstrated through FACS analysis (flow cytometry). Caspase-3 protease-mediated cleavage of PARP (poly-(ADP-ribose)polymerase), a process leading to apoptosis, is enhanced by the use of Avemar, something attributable to Avemar's impairment of DNA repair.
Fermented wheat germ extract inhibits glycolysis/pentose cycle enzymes and induces apoptosis through poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activation in Jurkat T-cell leukemia tumor cells. J Biol Chem 277: 46408-46414. 2002
Scientific Paper - No 30 http://www.avemar.com/docs/30_JBC_REPRINT.pdf
[f] Inhibition of carcinogenesis
It was proven in an animal study that Avemar is capable of inhibiting the development of rat colon cancer.
Wheat germ extract inhibits experimental colon carcinogenesis in F-344 rats. Carcinogenesis 22: 1649-1652. 2001
Scientific Paper - No 10 http://www.avemar.com/docs/15_CARCINOGENESIS.pdf
[g] Reduces chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia
Fermented wheat germ extract reduces chemotherapy - induced febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer patients.
'The ability of this medical nutriment to accelerate regeneration of the hematopoietic system, reconstruct healthy immune response, and increase hematopoietic interleukin gene expression may explain it's possible febrile neutropenia preventing effect in children receiving cytotoxic therapies.'
J. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 10: 631-635. 2004. Garami M, Schuler D, Babosa M, Borgulya G, Hauser P, M?ller J, Paksy A, Szab? E, Hidv?gi M, Fekete Gy:
Scientific Paper - No. 35 http://www.avemar.com/docs/36_Garami_at_all_JPHO.pdf
7. EFFECTIVENESS AND PROVEN PROPERTIES
Avemar is a truly remarkable natural compound that enhances the usefulness of commonly used conventional and Alternative Cancer Therapy choices. Research studies show daily use of Avemar supports mechanisms of cellular metabolism and immune function that maintain good health with particular benefit to people with autoimmune disease and many types of cancer.
In studies of animals and humans, use of Avemar prevented development of cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions (melanoma, pancreatic, colon and oral cancers, and others), reduced the incidence and number of metastatic cancers, improved quality of life by many measures and lengthened or even ceased the time to cancer progression following surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Avemar reduces side effects of chemotherapy. Avemar, as an alternative or Complementary Cancer Treatment can assist with ongoing Breast Cancer Treatment, Colon Cancer Treatment, Melanoma Cancer Treatment and leukaemia cancer treatment.
Cell line, animal and human studies looking at simultaneous use with many varieties of standard chemotherapy agents, showed that Avemar didn't interfere with any of the agents, but did enhance their effects, particularly with regard to tumour metastases.
Avemar reduced the frequency and severity of many common side effects including nausea, fatigue, weight loss and immune suppression.
In studies specifically looking at immune effects, Avemar was shown to speed the recovery of immune function following radiation and chemotherapy, inhibit immune suppression, improve Natural Killer (NK) cell recognition of target cells, act as an Immune Regulator and increase the invasive potential of white blood cells, helping them cross through blood vessel walls and into tumours.
Avemar is used widely as a Complementary Cancer Treatment during and after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immune therapy. Results of human studies supported by research using rats, mice and also in-vitro studies, show that Avemar has been effective as a Colon Cancer Treatment, Melanoma Cancer Treatment, head and neck cancer treatment, oral cavity cancer treatment, Breast Cancer Treatment [including oestrogen-positive, oestrogen-negative and inflammatory], treatment for urological cancers, as well as a lymphoma cancer treatment, leukaemia cancer treatment, Lung Cancer Treatment and pancreatic cancer treatment.
AVEMAR has been proven to:
- Prevent the development of cancerous and precancerous lesions.
- Reduce the incidence and overall number of metastatic cancers.
- Improve overall survival, metastases-free survival and progression-free survival of cancer sufferers
- Lengthen and even cease the time to cancer recurrence following surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
- Improve tolerance for surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Enhance and not interfere with the anticancer effects of chemotherapies.
- Decrease the severity of the immune suppressive effects of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
- Expand the applicability of anticancer therapies by preventing Immuno-suppressive side - effects.
- Reduce side effects of chemotherapy and works synergistically with all cytotoxic agents without compromising their efficacy. Also reduces chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia.
- Enhance the quality of life and physical condition of early and late stage cancer patients - less fatigue, pain and depression, and an increase in appetite which helps patients gain lost weight.
- Speed up the recovery of normal immune functions following Immuno-suppressive therapies.
- Act as an Autoimmune Treatment
- Be an Immune Regulator. In autoimmune diseases it is immunosuppressive and in malignancies it stimulates the immune system.
- Can benefit patients with all types of cancer - it is not specific
- Can be an alternative/Complementary Cancer Treatment for Breast Cancer Treatment, Colon Cancer Treatment, Melanoma Cancer Treatment, leukaemia cancer treatment
- Prevent opportunistic infection and sepsis.
- Prevent cancer related cachexia
- Prevent cancer cell proliferation.
- Inhibit cancer cell motility.
- Stimulate cancer cell apoptosis [programmed cell death]
- Enhance the ability of NK cells to identify and kill cancerous and other target cells by down regulating the presentation of MHC-I molecules on infected cells.
- Stimulate the production of TNF-alpha by macrophages.
- Enhance the tumour invasive potential of immune system cells by up regulating ICAM-A molecules in micro-vascular endothelial cells.
- Up regulate Th1(cellular) immune function, while inhibiting Th2 (humoral) immune function.
- Reduce inflammation and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases associated with the predominance of Th2 over Th1 immune response.
- Restore the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells.
8. INDICATIONS - WHO SHOULD TAKE AVEMAR
The medical nutriment, Avemar, can be used as a Complementary Cancer Treatment during and after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immune therapy. It can be used as a Complementary Cancer Treatment with Colon Cancer Treatment, Melanoma Cancer Treatment, Breast Cancer Treatment, and leukaemia cancer treatment.
The continuous use of Avemar is recommended during the full course of clinical treatment and after it's completion for as long as recommended by the treating practitioner. After surgery, the administration of Avemar can begin when the patient has been able to take food orally and without complications for at least 4 days.
Avemar can also be used as an Alternative Cancer Treatment. Avemar can be a substitute for traditional leukaemia cancer treatment, Breast Cancer Treatment, Colon Cancer Treatment and m Melanoma Cancer Treatment.
It is also very effective as an Autoimmune Treatment, in particular a Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment and a treatment for lupus, treatment for multiple sclerosis, treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and all similar immune deficient diseases.
9. SAFETY PROFILE
Avemar is manufactured in a GMP [Good Manufacturing Practice] facility in Hungary.
Acute and subacute toxicological tests conducted revealed no definitive side effects, even for the highest dose ranges tested. The animal toxicological studies were not able to find the LD50.
In April 2005 in the US, the GRAS [Generally Recommended As Safe] status of Avemar was reported on by J Heinbach LL, Washington DC. This 161 page document duplicates the previous Hungarian results.
Scientific Paper - No 52 http://www.avemar.com/docs/56_heimbach_et_al.pdf
10. SIDE EFFECTS
The vast majority of reports contain no data about substantial side effects. In rare instances, side effects, if they occur, are mild and transient, namely: diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence, soft stool, constipation, dizziness. Essentially, only very minor gastro-intestinal discomfort from Avemar use has been reported. In contrast, Avemar has been proven to Reduce side effects of chemotherapy and act as an Autoimmune Treatment for later years.
11. KNOWN INTERACTIONS
If vitamin C is being administered, Avemar should be consumed at least 2 hours before or after. As Avemar may affect the absorption of other medications or supplements, Avemar should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking the medication or supplement.
12. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Avemar should not be taken during pregnancy or nursing (breastfeeding). Avemar's use is prohibited for patients with organ or tissue transplant. The product cannot be used if the patient has bleeding gastrointestinal erosions (bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcer), enteritis/colitis (severe intestinal inflammation), malabsorption syndrome (severe absorption problem). Usage of the product is not advised in the presence of known gluten sensitivity (celiac sprue). Usage is also not advised in cases of hereditary fructose intolerance or if there is hypersensitivity to any product ingredient.
If undergoing a barium sulphate X-ray, Avemar use should be discontinued 2 days prior to the examination and reinstated 2 days after.
Diabetics may take Avemar under medical supervision taking into account the carbohydrate content of the product.
Allergen Statement: Avemar contains wheat ingredients.
Although the process of making the product removes all gluten, the principle allergen in wheat, the product comes in contact with gluten, and the possibility of contamination exists.
13. AVEMAR REGISTRATION STATUS
Avemar was first launched as a dietary supplement in Hungary in autumn 1998. Then, on the basis of the results of animal experiments and toxicological studies, which showed significant anticancer activity and lack of toxicity, the regional research ethics boards of the National Health Council, Hungary, approved the protocols of clinical studies on Avemar. Based on these results, Avemar was registered and approved as a 'medical nutriment for cancer patients' by the National Institute of Food Hygiene and Nutrition, "Fodor József" National Centre for Public Health, Hungary, on 6 February 2002 (registration number: 503). The Ministry of Health, Hungary listed the product under 'non-prescription medical nutriments' in it's Health Bulletin of 1 July 2002. The retail price of the compound is officially controlled, and the product can only be sold in pharmacies. The National Institute of Pharmacy, Hungary, qualified the production plant and quality assurance system as fulfilling the requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing in 2003 (reference number: 1127-100/38/2003). Avemar was the first product developed by Hungarian scientists for many decades, which has been registered and approved for its oncological indications. Today, Avemar acts as an alternative and Complementary Cancer Treatment.
14. THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME 'AVEMAR' [HAIL MARY]
The Hungarian, Dr Albert Szent-Györgyi, served in World War 1 from 1914 to 1916 as a Hungarian medic, where he observed firsthand the horrors associated with the use of mustard gas. After the war, he developed a keen interest in finding a cure for cancer when he learned mustard gas derivatives [pre-cursors to chemotherapy] were being used as a form of treatment. His work in the field of cancer intensified after losing both his daughter and wife to the disease.
Albert Szent-Györgyi, is probably best known for being awarded the 1937 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for his work on the roles played by certain organic compounds [especially vitamin C] in the oxidation of nutrients by cells. He is also noted for describing the process of cellular metabolism, known as the Szent-Györgyi/Krebs cycle (or just the Krebs cycle). As early as 1941, he was discussing the role of unpaired electrons (which we now refer to as free radicals), and their possible link to cancer, as well as the importance of certain protective enzymes and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that can help prevent cancer.
He certainly had his share of critics, particularly when it came to his theories on cancer.
After Györgyi emigrated to the US following World War II, his continuing work on cancer was based on his theory that certain naturally occurring compounds called quinones (along with similar compounds), could be instrumental in helping to control the proper metabolism in cells. As we now know, uncontrolled metabolism and rampant cell division is a defining characteristic of cancer. Györgyi noted that wheat germ is a potent source of these quinone compounds, and he suggested that they could be concentrated further through fermentation with baker's yeast. Gyòrgyi's early research experiments were very promising.
His theories about specific quinones found in wheat germ, and their ability to inhibit cancer, appeared to be correct. Just as his work was gaining momentum, though, his concept of regulating metabolism to prevent or control cancer was overshadowed by the new 'war on cancer' and the belief at the time that cancer therapies should concentrate on killing cancer at any cost. As a result, Györgyi's work suffered from funding problems and was largely overlooked. [As a matter of principle, he refused to accept government funding and be bound to any restrictions on his research or its outcome.] He died in 1986, with his research unfinished.
In the early 1990's, the fall of communism in Eastern Europe opened the door for more freedom, particularly in the field of scientific research. This sudden scientific freedom allowed Dr. Máté Hidvégi, also from Hungary, to resume and build on Dr. Szent- Györgyi's initial work. And it was Dr. Hidvégi who actually developed the first fermented wheat germ extract for human consumption.
Dr. Hidvégi's initial work was also limited by a lack of funding. At one point, his personal finances were completely exhausted and it appeared that the benefits of fermented wheat germ would fade into obscurity once again.
A highly devoted and dedicated catholic, Dr. Hidvégi prayed to Mary, Mother of God, to ask for guidance and help. The very next day he was approached by someone willing to provide the needed funding for his research. To show his thanks, Dr. Hidvégi named the extract Avemar, in honour of Ave Maria ["Hail Mary" in Latin].
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