EpicGenetics is looking at using the fibromyalgia blood test they’ve created to screen patients in hopes of developing a fibromyalgia vaccine (or more accurately a treatment for those with fibromyalgia that could reverse the symptoms).
It’s not a vaccine for fibromyalgia in the traditional sense that people would get it before they get ill, but rather it’s the use of an existing vaccine (for tuberculosis) to treat those who already have fibromyalgia.
I posted previously about the FM/a® blood test for fibromyalgia, here and here. EpicGenetics, the company behind the blood test, has just released some really awesome news.
What is the FM/a® blood test?
The FM/a® Test is an FDA-compliant blood test that diagnoses fibromyalgia by identifying the presence of specific white blood cell abnormalities that have been documented to exist in these patients. The FM/a® Test accurately and objectively diagnoses this chronic disorder that afflicts millions of men, women and children.
As I posted previously, I’ve not had the FM/a® blood test for Fibromyalgia because I knew that having the test wouldn’t change my treatment. However, their recent announcement means that I will be having the blood test.
Why am I finally having the Fibromyalgia blood test?
Because EpicGenetics just announced a huge study that will take things to the next level.
EpicGenetics will offer whole exome genetic surveys to FM/a® test-positive patients in a search for fibromyalgia-specific gene markers and mutations, analogous to the BRCA1/BRCA2 model for breast cancer. EpicGenetics’ associated CAMPAIGN 250 seeks to accomplish these gene surveys in up to 250,000 FM/a® test-positive individuals. The fees for these genomic surveys will be paid by EpicGenetics.
They will be enrolling volunteers from those who have had the FM/a® test in a study to find genetic markers for Fibromyalgia (akin to the markers that have already been identified for certain types of cancer).
This information will be used to develop a vaccine and patients who have been positively identified with Fibromyalgia through the FM/a® test will be able to enroll in the vaccine trial once the study launches.
Can you imagine? A vaccine for Fibromyalgia? With the knowledge that we already have that there is a genetic link can you imagine being able to vaccinate your children against this awful illness? For that matter, we might finally be able to classify it as a disease!
Update: I had the fibromyalgia blood test and this is what I found out.
Related: Common Questions About Fibromyalgia
More info: EpicGenetics Brochure_- FM/a Test and Campaign 250 [211kb]
Debbie says
I’m starting to think the whole fm/a test/trial is a scam. I’ve had the test with a 91% fibro confirmation. I never hear any updates on the trial at all. That is terrible? I’m starting to think this was just a Drs way of getting a boatload if people to take an expensive test, but then never do a trial at all. They say they need more men to take the test. This is primarily a women’s disease. Go forth with the trial already, if you were ever going to do one in the first place. Hopes dashed!
Elena says
Any updates? This would change my life!
Julie says
I don’t have any updates. I know they were just planning to begin the trials within the last year, but I don’t have any more info than that.
Kathy Simons says
I have been sick for many years with Lupus (SLE), and Fibromyalgia (didn’t know there was a blood test to confirm it until just now – very exciting!), Osteoporosis, Arthritis, DJD, etc. I’ve take plaquenil for 22 years and they are giving me a one year vacation from it now.. Years ago I was approved to be a participant in a research study group by the top 10 Emory Hospital Doctors in Atlanta. I’m amazed that there is a blood test for fibro! It’s wonderful! How can I help you make a vaccine to prevent Or help the side effects of this aweful illness? There should be no reason for people to suffer with this! I live in GA. Many thanks.
Julie says
Hi Kathy, I’m not a person connected to the blood test, any more than being a patient who has taken it. There are actually a couple of blood tests available now – I just saw an article about another one this week. While some insurances are covering the test through EpiGenetics, most doctors still don’t seem to be aware of it. If it’s something you are interested in I’d suggest reaching out to EpicGenetics directly. Please don’t post your phone number on public internet sites like this one (it’s a quick way to tons of scam calls – at best). I edited your post to remove that info.