<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Friends:
I was deluged with queries regarding the new treatment for Crohn's while I
was away in Chicago (thanks to all who sent GF restaurant tips, I will
report later on my experiences there).  A someone suggested, I did see a
spot about this on TV, but I also know about it because a friend's daughter
has suffered terribly from it all her life and has followed the latest
developments in treatment.  Here is my summary of what she told me:

The drug is made by a company called Centocor, and is called Ca-2 or
Avakine.  It is not a pill but an IV infusion given at the hospital on an
outpatient basis every 8 weeks or so (variable).  The drug is not yet
approved by FDA, but I am told it is expected to be available by the end of
the year.

For more info see the company web site at www.centocor.com/  or go right to
the press release at www.prnewswire.com/cnoc/exec/menu?150550  If you do a
web search for "avakine" you will find a few articles that shed a bit more
light.

Paula Kennedy
Long Island, New York