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Channel 4 reported that a study published in The Lancet showed a new drug reduces the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Unfortunately, the study shows no such thing

The Channel 4 News, scientists have discovered a new treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. "A study in The Lancet shows a drug injected weekly for three months seems to have reduced symptoms," they say. "Although it is not a cure, but it seems to reduce symptoms."

Unfortunately, the study shows that there is no such thing. The gene for the manufacture of a damaged muscle protein dystrophin DMD patients. The Lancet article shows a new treatment led to some recovery in production of dystrophin in some children in a small open-label study.

This is not the same as symptoms improve. However, Channel 4 recalls its jurisprudence, the mother of two study participants. "I think for Jack ... maintained his mobility ... with Tom, there are certainly significant changes ... more energy, less tired."

When these positive stories come from? Unfortunately, come the release of Great Ormond Street Hospital press (which was in line based policy wonk Evan Harris). It summarizes the results of dystrophin with precision, but again, there is an anecdotal case study goes much further: "The whole family has noticed a marked difference in their quality of life and mobility during the We believe that this period has helped to extend the mobility and Jack. Tom was much less tired. "

top risk of stroke, and cardiovascular problems than patients with chlorthalidone - despite the blood pressure lowering both - so much so that the trial was stopped early. Blood pressure, in this case was not a reliable result of substitution to evaluate the benefits of the drug in the real world results.