Koufman's pepsin treatment patent

I was looking for treatments to protect against pepsin and was shocked when I came across this patent by good ol Dr. Koufman........here's the link.

http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20090148530


Now what I don't understand is why would she "the LPR guru" patent something but not bring it to the market? She applied for the patent Dec. 8th 2007 and received the patent on Jun. 11th 2009. Yet, no one has mentioned that Koufman had offered this treatment to them, nor is it mentioned in her Dropping Acid book or in her blogs. I have to ask myself, was the reason for the patent to keep others from bringing "it" to the market? After all there's a lot more money in treating people rather than curing them. It just seems very odd to me for someone to patent something if it doesn't work, and never speak of it as well.

PPI-LESS is the only person on this forum that has been treated by her that I'm aware of, perhaps he could get in contact with her and ask her to explain this why this treatment is not offered.

Doggbones

This is interesting. I'd have to think people like us (who have tried 10-20 things probably by now, with no luck), would jump at the opportunity to try something like this. But at the same time, maybe the market is too small to make it viable?

Given the level of detail in certain parts of her book it does seem odd that she would not mention this product, or at least the science behind it and what something of its nature might hold in the future. That to me is very surprising.

I have no doubt Koufman helps certain types of patients very successfully, but I coincidentally just went off the Koufman diet after 2 weeks of worse-than-normal symptoms, and am now symptom free for the past 3 days (something that occurs every 3 months or so to me), even though I have eaten things like acidic fruits, pizza, and canned tuna in olive oil. I don't think Koufman merits much criticism, but I do find it odd that I found out about this product from DOGGBONES and not Koufman's book or many articles which I have read, wherein which it would have fit in perfectly in the parts explaining her theory on GERD.

I too am confusedby this. She covers pepsin in her book and says that no one has created an anti-pepsin drug...but maybe the treatment she has a patent on still needs further development and she is being cautious as to not give false hope....I am not sure. My diet is more restrictive than Koufman's and it has been helping, not curing. The thing is doctors all have their own theories on this diet thing, the only thing they really agree on is the triggers. I am hopeful in the next few years there may be some more treatment options available for GERD.

@ DOGGBONES,

I think your post may have had some slight undertone of 'Dr. bashing', maybe unintentional. I also think the post clearly deals with both "causes" and specifically "medical treatments". So in short I hope I am not immodest in saying that I get your point of view and St. Kitt's, and imagine St. Kitt probably has to call anything on or near the line as foul, to use a baseball analogy, so that people are clear on the rules.

There is only one reason Peptigon is not offered. It does not work. If it did, Dr. Koufman would be cashing in on it, like she does with the rest of her LPR treatments.

Methylcellulose powder is what is in Peptigon. Maybe the choking issue is why it's not on the market? I'm not sure????

Take this stuff at your own risk......Read carefully!


How to use Methylcellulose Powder:

Use Methylcellulose Powder as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Methylcellulose Powder may be taken with or without food.
Mix the dose recommended by the package labeling or your doctor with a full glass (at least 8 ounces/240 mL) of water. Stir briskly for 15 seconds and drink immediately. Drinking another glass of water is helpful. Taking this product without enough liquid may cause choking.
Take Methylcellulose Powder 2 or more hours before or after other medicines.
If you miss a dose of Methylcellulose Powder, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Methylcellulose Powder.
Important safety information:

Taking Methylcellulose Powder without enough fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take Methylcellulose Powder if you have difficulty swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or use Methylcellulose Powder for longer than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.
If your symptoms do not improve within 1 week or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Do not take additional laxatives or stool softeners with Methylcellulose Powder unless directed by your doctor.
Methylcellulose Powder usually takes 12 hours to 3 days to produce a bowel movement.
Stop use and contact your doctor if you have rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after use. These could be signs of a serious condition.
If you develop stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, contact your doctor. Do not use any more of Methylcellulose Powder until you have checked with your doctor.
If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more, check with your doctor.
Phenylketonuria patients - Methylcellulose Powder contains phenylalanine.
Methylcellulose Powder is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 6 years of age without first checking with your doctor. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Methylcellulose Powder, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Methylcellulose Powder during pregnancy. It is unknown if Methylcellulose Powder is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Methylcellulose Powder, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Methylcellulose Powder:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abdominal fullness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; difficulty swallowing; nausea; rectal bleeding; stomach pain; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Read more at http://www.drugs.com/cdi/methylcellulose-powder.html#RLOAWZeSLL216Va2.99

I have heard nothing new on this product. I don't follow Koufman closely anymore, as I'm not a fan of someone who charges $500 an office visit and doesn't accept insurance.

Good health is reserved for those with great wealth....it's the American way!

As far as Koufman goes, there was a couple members here that did go see her. However I don't recall any of them going back for more visits.