ATTACHMENT B

ARTHRITIS INSTITUTE STAFF" ACHIEVEMENTS (Relevant)

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The first to isolate mycoplasmas from rheumatoid patients. Pathogenic pleuropneumonia-like organisms from acute rheumatic exudates and tissues. Swift, HF and T McP Brown Sicence 89: 271-272, 1939.

The first to successfully treat rheumatoid patients with tetracycline therapy.

The in vivo action of aureomycin on pleuropneumonia-like organisms associated with various rheumatic diseases. Brown, T MCP, Rh Wichelhausen, L B Robinson and W R Merchant. J Lab. Clin. Med. 34: 1404-1410, 1949

The first to report on the incidence of mycoplasma antibodies in
rheumatoid patients.

Determination of mycoplasma antibodies in humans. Clark, H W, JS
Bailey and T McP Brown. Bacteriol. Proc. 64:59, 1964, M. 87.

The first to isolate mycoplasmas from rheumatoid gorillas and
successfully treat them with antibiotic therapy.

A mechanistic approach to treatment of rheumatoid-type arthritis
naturally occurring in a gorilla. Brown, T McP, H W Clark, J S Bailey
and CW Gray. Trans. Amer. Clin. and Climatol. Assn. 82: 227-247,
1970.

The first to isolate mycoplasmas from rheumatoid elephants and treat them
with antibiotic therapy.

Mycoplasms species and arthritis in captive elephants. Clark, H W, D
C Laughlin, J S Bailey and T MCP Brown. J Zoo An. Med 11: 3-15,
1980.

The first report showing sustained improvement over a 5 year period in a
group of 35 severe rheumatoid patients using an antimycoplasma
(antibiotic) approach to treatment.

Antimycoplasma Approach to the mechanism and the control of rheumatoid
disease. From: Inflammatory Diseases and Copper edited by John R.
J. Sorenson (The Humana Press) 1982. Brown, Thomas McP, J. S. Bailey,
K. I. Iden and H. W. Clark. P. 391-407

*Formerly the Arthritis Research Unit at the George Washington University and the Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.

Figure 2. Mean Clinical Response in 35 RA Patients for Five Years of Antimycoplasma Therapy.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Moderate-Severe Mean Age at Onset: 42.8 Years (14-64 yrs.) Mean Prior Duration 9.6 Years (1-27 yrs.)

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Thank you for your request on behalf of your constituent,

who would like the National Institutes of Health to evaluate the antimyco-
plasma treatment program of Dr. Thomas McPherson Brown. The National
Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIADDK),
a bureau of the National Institutes of Health, has primary responsibility
for the Federal support of research in all forms of arthritis and rheumatic
disorders, including Sjogren's syndrome.

I am sorry to learn that

has this syndrome and am very glad to hear that she has been helped. Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder, which generally involves diminished secretion of the tear and salivary glands, and which may result in dry eyes and dry mouth. About half of Sjogren's patients also have rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in painful, stiff joints.

may be interested to know that NIADDK is currently preparing a review of research concerning the roles of mycoplasmas and antimycoplasma treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. This review was requested by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in their reports on the Fiscal Year 1983 budget. It will be made available to the Committees early this year. Dr. Brown is a major proponent of the theory that human rheumatoid arthritis is caused by tiny organisms known as mycoplasmas, and, in fact, he is one of the original scientists to have investigated this concept some 40 years ago. Like many other hypotheses concerning the cause of rheumatoid arthritis, this theory has not yet been substantiated (confirmed).

*As noted in a report published in 1982. Dr. Brown and his supporters also

believe that the optimal treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is a combination of therapy specifically against mycoplasma (particularly using the antibiotic tetracycline plus other antirheumatic agents including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. The latter drugs are the most common agents used for rheumatoid arthritis. The use of tetracycline and other antibiotics in rheumatoid arthritis, however, is controversial.