“According to Mr. J. E. R. McDonagh’s researches, the phases of the Leucocytozoon syphilids are killed by the lipoid-globulin molecules of the serum, which possess a stereochemical molecular configuration homologous to those of the lipoid-globulin molecules of the parasite. The process is one of absorption, a chemico-physical reaction which is in part dependent upon the supply of active oxygen. Active oxygen is formed directly by oxidation processes and the peroxide necessary for its formation directly by reducing processes. Oxidation is increased by metals and reduction by non-metals. The non-metal which acts in the body as the normal reducing agent is sulphur, hence the discovery of Intramine (see separate pamphlet). The metal which acts in the body as the normal oxidising agent, is iron, hence the discovery of Ferrivine.”
A circular, “Intramine, a New Non-Toxic Compound for the Treatment of Protozoal and Chronic Bacterial Diseases,” expounds Mr. McDonagh’s ideas of the treatment of syphilis with Ferrivine and Intramine by means of the oxidising action of Ferrivine and the reducing action of Intramine and asserts:
“As the ultimate administration of oxidising and reducing agents will benefit almost any infection, it may be said that Intramine is indicated in all protozoal diseases, and in all chronic bacterial diseases, especially in tuberculosis, presumably in leprosy and possibly in malignant disease [cancer?]. To the administration of Intramine there are no contraindications.”
We are also told that:
“Intramine is useful injected into the urethra.... In cases of chronic urethritis and perifolliculitis ... invaluable as a local application to chronic ulcers ...”
The Intramine circular includes a “Scheme of Treatment for Syphilis” which advises, in addition to Intramine, Ferrivine or salvarsan, mercury and iodids, the use of another proprietary called “Collosol Iodine.” An inquiry addressed to Fougera & Co. in regard to the character and composition of this preparation, brought the reply that the firm had no knowledge of its identity.
This “scheme of treatment” is objectionable in that it advises the “stock” treatment of a disease which demands individualization and further in that whatever beneficial effects may result from the use of mercury and iodid is likely to be ascribed to the preparations “Intramine,” “Ferrivine” and “Collosol Iodine.”
The advertising for Ferrivine and Intramine sent out by Fougera & Co. contains no experimental or clinical data on which an estimate of their value may be based. Apparently in England, where these products were originated, little has been published regarding them.
There is, however, one report which may be accepted as a carefully controlled clinical trial. In the Lancet (June 17, 1916, p. 1214) L. W. Harrison, D.S.O., M.B., Ch.B.Glasg., and C. H. Mills, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P.Lond., report on “The Effect of Ferrivine and Intramine on Syphilis.” After briefly reviewing the theories which form the basis of McDonagh’s proposed treatment of syphilis with his discoveries “Ferrivine” and “Intramine” the authors point out:
“... that Mr. McDonagh’s biological discoveries ... have not been publicly confirmed by any biologist of standing ...”