Hear why some of the world's foremost Crohn's disease experts are now saying that it is an infectious disease and not an autoimmune disease!
MAP (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis) is a bacteria proven to cause Johne's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) impacting livestock that eerily resembles Crohn's. Likewise, Crohn’s is an aggressive and often debilitating form of IBD impacting approximately four million people worldwide at a rapidly increasing rate. It causes inflammation in the lining of one's digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, malnutrition and sometimes life-threatening complications.
There is no recognized cure for Crohn’s currently; however, a steadily growing faction of medical professionals suspect that MAP is the root cause and have the evidence to prove it. Sponsored by CJE SeniorLife, Jewish Child & Family Services and Townstone Financial, several of them are coming together from opposite ends of the globe to present their groundbreaking research and findings:
John Aitken (New Zealand) -- The microbiologist will discuss his newly developed method for effectively culturing MAP bacteria to better diagnose its presence in Crohn's patients.
Dr. William Chamberlin (U.S.) -- The gastroenterologist will give an overview of the immune system from an evolutionary perspective, introduce evidence that Crohn's is a disorder of innate immune deficiency, summarize data on the efficacy of properly chosen antibiotics, and will discuss a new drug that stimulates innate immunity, down-regulates unproductive inflammation and enhances immune clearance of chronic intracellular infections.
Dr. Michael Collins (U.S.) -- As a veterinarian and microbiologist, he will help attendees gain an understanding of the biology of the unusual pathogen of MAP and its transference from livestock to humans.
Dr. Amy Hermon-Taylor (U.K.) -- The daughter of esteemed Professor John Hermon-Taylor and a physician in her own right, she will represent her father's groundbreaking efforts in inventing the MAP Vaccine and complementary MAP Test, which they hope to bring to market within the next few years.
Patrick McLean (Israel) -- The CEO of Giaconda Ltd. and Product Manager of RedHill Biopharma will provide a review of clinical efforts to develop effective anti-MAP therapies.
Immediately following the presentations will be a special "Meet & Greet," during which guests can get to know the speakers better and ask further questions in a more fun, relaxed and intimate setting with food and beverages (additional donation applies). This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! All proceeds will go toward establishing the cause of Crohn's and developing better therapies. For more information about the role of MAP in Crohn's, please visit TheCrohnsInfection.org.