Snark, August 4
INJECTION OF ARMENICUM IS FREE OF CHARGE (04.09.99)
Armenicum created by the Armenian scientists as a remedy against
AIDS continues to be in the centre of journalists' attention. By now
any information connected with this remedy filter into the press from
different and sometimes contrasting sources.
In order to coordinate different informations on Armenicum and also to work
with journalists lately the heads of the Armenicum program created
Armenicum information-analytical center. The head of the center is David
Aslanian who is our guest today.
Q: How many patients have been treated from AIDS in Armenia by means of
using preparation Armenicum?
A: It is not correct to say how many patinets have been treated from AIDS
because the full treatment is not a matter of 4-5 moths. But I would like
to mention that 120 patients underwent clinical trials up to now and we
have got brilliant results exceeding all expectations. Armenicum shows
antiviral activity towards HIV and a big number of concomitant diseases.
Q: Who is mainly being treated in Armenia?
A: Citizens from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia,
Cambodia, USA, Iran, UAE undergo the trial. The main patients are from
Russia, between 22-24 years old.
Q: How much do they pay for treatment?
A: Treatment has been carried out free by now and patients pay only for
transportation expences to arrive to Armenia. Up to now we provided three
treatments and patients pay only for transportation expenses. This not only
serving the purpose of promotion or self-affirmation but free treatment has
a large human aspect. Unfortunately the problems of AIDS lost its human
face a long ago and become pure commercial just profit seeking business.
For example the spread method of combined therapy costs $ 12,000 - $18,000
for one patient annually. Treatment by Armenicum is monotherapy, it lasts a
few stages but not the whole life, it has no side effects and improves the
quality of life in a big extend. Finally it costs much cheaper. Moreover,
as Dr. Levon Gevorkian said in the future we are going to help many people
who are not payable.
Q: Could You name one of the patients who felt better after the first
period of the treatment besides the well-known Nikolay Kolesnikov?
A: Kolesnikov is well known, but we have 25 patients in the last stage
(C-3) of AIDS. One can not recognize them after treatment. For example
Brian Shihan (Boston, US) has been suffering for 9 years. Before he came to
Armenia he has got 35 pillules per day for paying for them $50,000
annually. He lost in weight, looked exhausted, he had more than 20
concomitant diseases. After six injections of Armenicum his state is
drastically changed. You could never identify Brian before and after
treatment. When he came to Yerevan for the second course he was full of
energy, smiling, a healthy color was back to his face. His weight is up to
12 kg. He could not believe to his own success.
Q: And what about Nikolay Kolesnikov, I've heard that a dog has bitten him
and he is again in Armenia.
A: Nikolay Kolesnikov who has been treated by Armenicum, is again in
Armenia to be observed. And his return is not connected with the biting by
a dog. I meet him and he complained of the negative attitide of the Russian
doctors towards him. Since March Kolesnikov has been taking clinical trial
in Armenia and feels well. And as negative attitude of Russian doctors and
specially Vadim Pokrobsky, who is leading the center of AIDS profilactics
in Ruusia, and is concerned by Kolesnikov's refusal to be tested in Russia
because of only personnal reasons. He is going to leave to Germany soon and
will be tested there which will be more prestigeous.
Q: How can You explane the sharp criticism and nearly the hysteria in
Russian press in conection with Armenicum.
A: I think that we have to get used to the histeria, since it is
objectively conditioned. Generally pharmatheutics is very profitable
business, especially the AIDS treatment needing billions of dollars annual.
I think that negative attitude is caused by economic reasons and is
explaned by the contradiction of interests.
Q: What about the interests to the Armenicum by the foreign states. I've
heared of the projects of joint treatment?
A: Of course Armenia has limited opportunities to accept and treat all
applicants (they are hundred thousands all over the world). There is a huge
interest shown by foreign countries especially by people who are ill with
AIDS. Now several joint projects are being discussed, some countries are
interested to register Armenicum. Dr Levon Gevorkian has invited foreign
specialists to Armenia for the joint trials and collaboration, mentioning
that a full access will be given to all the patients, their histories,
documents etc. But still they are passive. However, Rubicon is passed.
Infected people can not wait for the official attitude of the outstanding
physicians. This fact is enough to predict a brilliant future for
Armenicum.
Q: How can patients undergo clinic treatment in Armenia?
A: Only by official way, if they apply to the Embassy of Armenia in foreign
states or in regional states. The main decision will be passed by the heads
of Armenicum program.