Ok guys I've made the proposed changes, and edited out rats, since his research does deal with rabbits. Please check this and disclose any more desired edits.
Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Richard H. Dean Biomedical Building
391 Technology Way
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083
Dear Dr. Atala:
I am writing to your organization on behalf of the Peyronie’s Disease Society. We are an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for those afflicted by Peyronie’s disease. In addition to our primary function, we are also dedicated to collecting, and disseminating information to the Peyronie’s community regarding information pertaining to promising research, new treatments, and a list of competent physicians who specialize in the treatment of Peyronie’s disease. We are an objective organization with no affiliations to medical or pharmaceutical companies. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Now that you know a little bit about our organization, I’d like to take some time to share a few things with you about Peyronie’s disease, and how we think that your research may be of some benefit to those afflicted with the disease. Peyronie’s disease affects the
tunica albuginea of the male penis, it is a thin fibrous envelope which surrounds the
corpus cavernosum, the primary chambers which become engorged with blood causing an erection. When fibrous plaques form within this layer of the penis, the symptoms manifest themselves as a bend, indentation, shortening of the penis, or hard nodule within the penis. Erections are often painful, and intercourse can become difficult or even impossible. The cause of Peyronie’s is not well understood, although it is thought to arise most often from trauma, there exist other risk factors such as the use of
beta-blockers and possibly autoimmune disorders. In addition to causing the penis to become functionally compromised, this disease can also have severe impacts on the quality of life of the patients suffering with it. Patients suffering from Peyronie’s can often develop depression and anxiety as a result of the disease and the self-image problems that it causes.
There exists no reliable treatment modality which has been able to prove efficacy in
randomized double blinded studies. The treatment modality which has the most success in removing curvature and
plaque from the penis, currently is surgery. Unfortunately, many patients are dissatisfied with the surgical route because it results in a severe amount of penile shortening, and permanent impotence and loss of sensation are serious risk factors of the surgery. Currently, Auxilium is developing a promising drug known as
Xiaflex (
Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum) which was successful in Phase IIB clinical trials in reducing curvature in the majority of cases.
Unfortunately, even with effective treatment of the curvature, there often exists a permanent and lasting effect on the
corpus cavernosum from the disease process. Thus, even those patients who achieve clinical success in treating the primary symptom of the disease, are often left with a badly deformed penis. Your institution’s research into the regeneration of
corpus cavernosum in rabbits is of great interest to our organization. We would like to offer our help and support to your research in any way possible. We believe that your research shows promise for many men who are currently suffering with Peyronie’s disease across the country and across the globe. We would like to hear back from you on what your current plans for future research are into this area, and how you think we would be able to help and support your research in this area. Please don't hesitate to visit our forum, and contact us through our PDS email address, or by signing up for a free account, our members and administrators would love to hear from you. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter.
Sincerely on behalf of the entire PDS,
The Peyronie’s Disease Society
www.PeyroniesForum.netwww.PeyroniesSociety.org