For Immediate Release

Contact: info@stopsarcoidosis.org

THE FOUNDATION FOR SARCOIDOSIS RESEARCH COMMENTS ON
IMMUNE SYSTEM RESEARCH AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Chicago, IL (17 July 2004) – Based on successes that Northwestern University in Chicago has had in using autologous, or patients' own stem cells for transplantation for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, they have recently started Phase 1 of a new sarcoidosis treatment protocol and are in the process of recruiting patients.

Sarcoidosis is not an autoimmune disease, however, in patients with sarcoidosis the immune system does not function properly and lymphocytes, a type of blood cell, become overactive causing granulomas to form in different organs. This experimental treatment consists of high-dose chemotherapy and a serum that reacts against lymphocytes, followed by previously corrected patients' own stem cells.

“Sarcoidosis is a complicated disease. Research into the immune system happening at Northwestern represents something very new, and obviously, experimental. It is not intended for every patient with the disease." said FSR President Andrea Wilson in an interview for NBC-5 Chicago's Health Watch. "Hopefully we are entering a new era in the understanding of how it develops and how different treatments can help patients.”

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving care for sarcoidosis patients and to finding a cure for this disease. Since establishment in 2000, FSR has worked diligently to provide resources to thousands of patients, their families and their physicians as well as funded several domestic and international research efforts. For background information or referral to an sarcoidosis expert for further comment, please contact the Foundation at 773-525-2510 or info@stopsarcoidosis.org.

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to improving care for patients and to finding a cure for this disease. Since 2000, FSR has worked to position sarcoidosis as a growing problem on the U.S. health care agenda and established itself as the authoritative resource for patients, health professionals and the public.