Journal of IiME Volume 7 Issue 1 2. To discuss and explore the possibilities for collaboration and for funding for biomedical research into ME 3. To generate new ideas regarding research into ME and assess research strategies for ME research 4. Review experiences and expertise from other research areas in order to assist ME research 5. Review evidence for immunological derangement in ME 6. To discuss opportunities for extending clinical trials in multiple centres and possibly internationally 7. To plan future events Our hope for the meeting was to initiate new collaborations and generate new ideas for biomedical research into ME and help researchers support each other in the future. To achieve continued progress in understanding and treating this disease we must establish collaborations between biomedical researchers who can agree a clear strategy of biomedical research. BRMEC AGENDA ME QUOTES "ME/CFS is not uncommon in England and represents a significant burden to patients and society. The number of people with chronic Welcome and introductions Pathogen Discovery and Pathogenesis Retroviruses and ME Pathogen Discovery continued Gut Microbiota Study UEA Chaired Discussion Review of experience of Rituximab in ME Rituximab in autoimmune diseases Update on immunological derangement in ME Screening NK-, B- and T-cell phenotype and function in patients suffering from ME Chaired Discussion Update on ANS studies FDA Endpoints / Vistide OMI MERIT Strategy Discussion – As per objectives of meeting Funding Possibilities Ways to Continue Collaboration and Discovery Closing Summary and future directions. Briefing to Invest in ME Conference Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) fatigue who do not meet specific criteria for ME/CFS is higher still. Both groups have high levels of need for service provision, including health and social care. We suggest combining the use of both the CDC-1994 and Canadian criteria for ascertainment of ME/CFS cases, alongside careful clinical phenotyping of study participants. This combination if used systematically will enable international comparisons, minimization of bias, and the identification and investigation of distinct subgroups of patients with possibly distinct aetiologies and pathophysiologies, standing a better chance of translation into effective specific treatments." Nacul et al. BMC Med. 2011 Jul 28;9:91. doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-9-91. (May 2013) This demonstrates our view that forming a collaborative of biomedical researchers, including existing ME researchers and those new to the field, is the best way forward and promises the quickest and most efficient way to produce data and treatments and so benefit people with ME and their families – a Biomedical Research into ME Collaborative . Representatives from nine countries attended. Invest in ME and Alison Hunter Memorial Foundation continue to work together to raise awareness and promote sound biomedical research into ME through collaboration and innovation. The provisional agenda for the meeting is shown below. www.investinme.org Page 8 of 36
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