Rituximab

In October 2011 Norweigan researchers published in the journal PLOS ONE the results of a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of the anti-cancer drug Rituximab on a small group of ME patients.

Two-thirds of the patients receiving the Rituximab (as opposed to 13% of those receiving the placebo) saw an overall improvement in their health, and none reported serious adverse side effects. As the improvement affected all ME symptoms, the researchers believe the drug may touch the central mechanism of the condition. The responses are consistent with the theory that ME is an autoimmune disease.

As this was only a small initial study, a great deal more research needs to be done before it is known whether Rituximab would be consistently both helpful and safe for ME patients in general. However, the researchers have now been given a grant from the Norweigan government to help fund an expanded study.