October 15th 2003
PRNewswire -- The U.S. Patent and Trademark office has awarded
Dr.Joan Fallon patent # 6,632,429 entitled Methods for Treating Pervasive
Developmental Disorders. The patent covers the use of digestive and
pancreatic enzymes as a treatment for children with ADD, ADHD and Autism.
The patent, which will remain in effect until 2019, represents a
breakthrough for children with pervasive developmental disorders including
ADD, ADHD and Autism. Autism is characterized by profound delays in
communication and social interaction and is thought to affect over 1.5
million individuals in the U.S.
ADD and ADHD have a prevalence of between 5 and 10% in the
population. It is estimated that upwards of 10% of the population is
medicated for some type of attention disorder.
Dr. Fallon's invention employs the use of digestive and pancreatic
enzymes for children with these conditions based upon the presence of a low
level of chymotrypsin in the stool. Chymotrypsin is an enzyme secreted by
the pancreas in an inactive form which becomes active in the presence of
protein in the small intestines as well as a favourable pH. Without
sufficient protein digestion, the formation of amino acids, the building
blocks of new proteins, cannot occur. The lack of protein synthesis can
underlie a significant neurological deficit in the child. Fallon's patent
demonstrates that the administration of digestive and pancreatic enzymes
produce profound changes in the autistic symptomotology including increases
in social interactions, eye contact and speech and reductions in repetitive
actions and hyperactivity. It further demonstrates changes in bowel habits
including an increase in bowel control and formed movements.
In the child with ADD and ADHD, the therapy significantly reduces the
levels of medication the child is taking and, in many cases, the child no
longer needs the medication, based upon observed increases in attention.
"The patent recognizes a deficiency in the children with ADD, ADHD
and Autism, and offers a biological solution. Digestive and pancreatic
enzymes have been used safely and effectively for children and adults with
cystic fibrosis for many years," said Dr. Fallon, inventor and patent
holder. "I intend to continue to refine the use of digestive and pancreatic enzymes
for these and other indications. This form of treatment opens new avenues
for children and adults with these debilitating conditions.