The Ecotrienes: New Hope for an Old Problem

Daniel J. Luchins, M.D., writes in the October 2006 issue of Psychiatric Services:

The ecotrienes (eco= environment, trienes=prostaglandin-like cellular modulators) were originally isolated from hibernating Norwegian voles. Subsequent animal and human studies have demonstrated that this class of peptides allows mammals to withstand climatic extremes and caloric deprivation. Controlled clinical trials among homeless patients with schizophrenia have consistently demonstrated that the ecotrienes are associated with a marked reduction in hospital and jail recidivism. Despite the high cost of these medications (U.S. $9,000 per annum), pharmacoeconomic analyses suggest savings through reduced use of postdischarge resources, such as food and housing, and also shorter index hospitalizations through elimination of discharge planning.

(Could this to be true?)