LOCAL TEAM MAKES VACCINE FOR SPASMS

       KKU academic says success rate is 100% on some symptoms
       After two decades of research, a Khon Kaen University academic has produced medication created with extracts of botulinum toxin that can be used to treat muscle spasms.
       Prof Dr Sutthiphan Jitphimolmas said his work was based on relevant studies conducted in many countries and that medications extracted from botulinum toxin were already available in Europe at high prices.
       "The research team has produced vaccines that are effective and, at prices as low as Bt3,000, easily affordable for Thai patients," he added.
       Citing studies and research under his supervision, vaccines and medications can treat various kinds of muscle spasms, especially those on the face, eyelids, the back, migraine, heavy sweating and crossed eyes, said Sutthiphan, who is also dean of KKU's Faculty of Medicine.
       "The success rate of treatment on these symptoms is 100 per cent," he added.
       Patients given vaccines or medication via injections on affected muscles experience a drop of frequency of spasms within two weeks. The treatment takes about three months in severe cases.
       "Of the 700 patients vaccinated or medicated, 90 per cent are on their way to recovery while 80 per cent have fully recovered," he added.
       Sutthiphan said extensive research was underway on botulinum toxin in other countries for other uses such as cosmetic treatment for wrinkles or to reduce physical irritation during intercourse. Other symptoms that can possibly be cured with botulinum toxinbased medications include difficulty in urination, tension in the vocal cords and the treatment of congenitally distorted feet.
       Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that was discovered more than 200 years ago. It is the most toxic substance known to mankind, but can be used in very small doses to treat muscle spasms.
       Outbreaks caused by botulinum toxin are not frequent in Thailand, with the most recent reported in 2006 in Nan, when more than 200 people became sick after eating food made of bamboo shoots. Canned foods and sausages that are not properly produced are the most common sources of contamination.