ENERKOM'S RESPONSE TO HIV/AIDS AND FLU EPIDEMICS
Due to the devastating effect the HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to have on both our peoples and our economies, Enerkom (Pty) Ltd (a subsidiary of Central Energy Fund (Pty) Ltd) has undertaken research aimed at treating people suffering from HIV/AIDS.
In addition Enerkom sought to extend the application of its findings to cover
other conditions (such as flu) that would be alleviated through the usage of an immune system booster.
Humic acids are well known to have therapeutic health benefits, extending from
ancient writings to recent scientific publications. In order to further and formalize the knowledge of the beneficial effects on health of Enerkom's oxihumate-K, Enerkom has undertaken pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Enerkom's oxihumate-K (the potassium derivative of oxihumic acid) has been
thoroughly evaluated in pre-clinical studies in acute, sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies in animals and found to be non-toxic. In vitro studies conducted at the Medical Faculties of the Universities of Pretoria, Stellenbosch and Freiburg (Germany) have demonstrated that oxihumate-K has the following properties:
does not produce viral resistance buildup
Such properties are useful when addressing autoimmune diseases, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS.
In view of the above remarkable combination of properties especially the Immuno- stimulatory and anti-inflammatory aspects, and with the approval of the
Medicines Control Council and the Ethics Committee of the Pretoria Academic Hospital, a Phase I clinical study with oxihumate-K was conducted at Kalafong
Hospital during 1999. The trial consisted of four sets of two week duration tests, each involving nine patients. The study confirmed the non-toxic nature of oxihumate-K and also showed some improvement in clinical signs of the patients.
After the completion of the Phase I clinical trial in South Africa, and on hearing of the benefits of oxihumate-K, Enerkom was approached through an intermediary, to conduct a clinical trial on HIV/AIDS patients in one of our northern country partners.
Mindful of our moral obligations to also assist our neighbors, the trial was undertaken. The results were scheduled to support a follow-up Phase III trial in South Africa. It is being conducted to the same standards as would have been required in South Africa, and according to the rules of the World Health Organization.
The clinical trial has the appropriate authorizations in the country in which it is being conducted and the Ethics Committee of the Pretoria Academic Hospital in South Africa. The import of HIV infected blood for analyses in South Africa was approved by the Department of Health. The trials are properly planned and executed and closely monitored by a team of medical experts.
The clinical trial was initiated with 350 HIV -infected patients during 1999. Results after twelve months' treatment confirmed the non-toxicity, immuno-stimulatory and antiinflammatory properties of oxihumate-K, and showed a general improvement in the clinical status of the patients. This trial is continuing All trials are authorized by the appropriate authorities, including the National Institute for Medical Research in the host country, and where human patients participate, they
have given their informed consent.
Humic acids are naturally occurring substances that are recognized in international literature as having immuno-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Enerkom has patented a technology to produce oxihumate directly from coal Oxihumate-K has been proven to be non-toxic in humans. Enerkom has released this product as a nutritional supplement and it is currently available on the South African market.
Oxihumate-K, with its immuno-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, has
application when addressing autoimmune diseases or any immune compromised
condition as an adjuvant therapy.
