OMAHA, Neb. —
An Omaha researcher is conducting a drug trial for a drug that’s already being prescribed for a chronic pain condition for patients in Europe.
Dr. Robert Recker with Creighton University is looking for patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to test the drug which comes from a class of drugs normally used to treat osteoporosis. Recker said CRPS is rather "An area of the body starts to have really severe pain for no reason. You look at it on x-ray, no matter how you look at it, you don’t find anything wrong,” said Recker who’s testing an intravenous treatment called Neridronic Acid.
“I can't deny the fact that the study in Italy cause it to be approved for it. Apparently it removes the pain quite strikingly,” said Recker.
Ron Dulas, of Lincoln has lived with CRPS for more than six years, with debilitating pain in his leg, travelling to his hands. The pain started after back surgery, for no apparent reason.
“It was horrendous. It's like someone took a hammer and just smacked your foot,” said Dulas, who’s on a number of prescription pain relievers and has been for years. He eventually had to quit his job restoring furniture at the State Capital Building, in Lincoln.
“It stops you in your tracks, you cannot breathe,” said Dulas.
Dulas was hoping to be approved for the drug trial which includes 4 infusions over the course of a week, along with vitamin supplements and clinic visits for a year.
“To get out of the situation I’m in, I’ll do anything,” said Dulas. Who learned just days ago, because he has a pacemaker he cannot be part of the trial, but may benefit from the drug if it’s approved for use in the U.S.
If you know a person living with Complex Regional Pain Sydrome, they can contact Dr. Recker’s officer for more information on the study. The phone number is 402-280-Bone, or 402-280-2663. All expenses are covered for participants.

Original post and video found here: www.ketv.com/article/omaha-drug-trial-hopes-to-ease-pain/11644837
Last Updated when copied over: 10:47 PM CDT Aug 6, 2017 by Julie Cornell