There are thousands of people with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) in Ireland. At the very best, we receive only symptom management from our doctors, that's the best they can do for us. There is a drug, Ampligen (Rintatolimod), for the treatment of M.E.

Ampligen has been successfully trialled in the U.S.A. for the last two decades. Many M.E. patients have gone into FULL REMISSION with this drug.

We are asking the Minister For Health to make Ampligen available to us.

M.E. is an neurological illness as defined by the WHO (World Health Organisation). It affects all systems: neurological, immune, endocrine, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, etc. The symptoms can vary from mild, moderate, severe to very severe. It can be remitting/relapsing or progressive. Some people spend their days in a darkened room, unable to tolerate light or sound. Some are tube-fed. Others are mildly affected.

My name is Noreen Murphy. I have M.E. for over 29 years. Initially, I was very severe, then moderate for a number of years but have Severe M.E. for past few years.