EPD FAQ
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Enzyme Potentiated Desensitisation This page is extracted and adapted from the EPD FAQ site, administered in the USA by Stan Rohrer - a much more detailed site, which is getting a little out-of-date now due to the problems that EPD has HAD with the FDA. It still carries a large amount of information though. We are grateful for permission to use it. This is not official manufacturer’s information about EPD, but we believe it gives a more human, patient-oriented view of the treatment. What is EPD? Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD) is a method of allergy treatment, or immunotherapy, using extremely small doses of allergens to desensitize people from their allergies. It has been seen to be effective for inhalant, food, and chemical sensitivities, along with acting on other significant health problems. Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD )involves the administration, via skin injection, of an enzyme, beta glucuronidase, and minute doses of mixed allergens. The enzyme is used at levels already present in the body and the allergens are used in quantities much less than in conventional desensitizing treatments (allergy shots) which are no longer allowed in the UK except in hospital conditions. The treatment is safer than conventional desensitizing treatments due to the low dose of the agents. No part of the EPD treatment is derived from humans so there is minimal risk of transmitting other diseases. |
EPD contains a wide variety of inhalants, foods, and chemicals and is capable of dealing with most common allergy problems. The EPD doctor determines which of these groups are to be included in the patient’s therapy based on that patient’s symptoms and history. Customization of the injected allergens beyond the major groupings is typically neither needed nor done. EPD stimulates the immune system to produce new T-suppressor cells, a specific type of lymphocyte, which is a type of white blood cell. These take 3 to 4 weeks to mature before they can begin their task of disabling mis-coded T-Helper cells. Essentially, this is a re- training program so the body does not react to those substances contained in the shot. The mis-coded cells are a part of the chain that stimulates the production of histamine, the major trigger of allergic response. EPD works much more closely and effectively near the root of allergy problems than many other current treatments or symptom reduction techniques. Success rates It was reported in one 1996 study that over 85% of the patients who have followed the protocol have permanently stopped the successful treatment after 16-18 shots, with no recurrence of the symptoms. [I would have thought this was optimistic.-DD]After two years (late 1995) of the IRB/FDA study in the USA, unpublished reports indicate 55 conditions have been reviewed and the overall success rate was reported at between 76-84%. |