Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

By: Mary Agnes Welch

Posted: 2:00 AM | Comments:

CHRIS BOLIN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Enlarge Image

Lee Chuckry, who has MS, took part in a stem-cell trial run by Doug Broeska and Regenetek Research. The Airdrie, Alta., man eventually became one of Regenetek's most vocal critics. Photo Store

Before flying to India for experimental stem-cell therapy, Alberta businessman Lee Chuckry quit taking Tysabri, a drug many multiple-sclerosis patients use to shrink brain lesions and reduce attacks.

"It was quite effective for me," said Chuckry from his home in Airdrie, Alta. "I didnt have attacks when I was on it."

Doug Broeska, founder of Winnipeg-based Regenetek Research and the clinical trials principal investigator, told Chuckry that Tysabri would damage the effectiveness of the implanted stem cells.

Tysabri is one of a long list of medications Broeska advised clinical-trial participants to avoid, all mentioned in a blog posted last fall.

"My first attack started just when I was leaving India," said Chuckry. "Id stopped the drug three months before."

More here:

Alberta MS patient says researcher was seen as 'some sort of god'