GcMAF (macrophage activation factor) is an immune-regulating compound discovered in the US but now only obtainable from Europe . It os suggested that is is an adjunct to a dysfunctional immune system. . It has been used experimentally in HIV and cancer for several years. The website www.gcmaf.eu claims are made that have not been adequately replicated they state, "In its role of immune system regulator, research shows GcMAF can reverse other diseases that attack the immune system like Autism, CFS, XMRV, Lyme disease, Aids, HIV, Fibromyalgia (all of which we've begun to have success with ourselves), osteoporosis, Hodgkin's, Lupus, MS, Parkinson's, various bacterial and viral infections and various types of Immune dysfunction."

"Nagalase", a blood test that has been suggested to determine whether or not one might be a candidate for GcMAF therapy. Nagalase is an enzyme that prevents Vitamin D receptors (VDR) from being activated on the surface of the macrophage. As a result, macrophages are not "activated" and our immune systems are not able to properly respond to invaders. However the nagalase test that is presently available is not subject to quality control acceptable to our requirements.Here are some claims made by the manufacturers of GcMAF:

• GcMAF has reportedly been tested more for safety, purity, etc. than other human blood products.
• Macrophages are cultured, destroyed, and the GcMAF receptors are purified.
• The primary test used in looking at whether or not GcMAF may be a reasonable intervention is nagalase if we can find a suitable lab that runs adequate quality control.
• In healthy college students, a nagalase 0.4 is not uncommon (the lower the better).
• Nagalase inactivates macrophages.
• By using GcMAF to activate macrophages, nagalase drops, and one may regain a functional immune system. The door is then closed to further invaders and we may no longer serve as a microbe hotel.
• Treatment is via injection 1x/week for 8-20 weeks. Dose is titrated initially to avoid exacerbation IRIS a type of Herx response.
• Maintenance therapy should not be needed once the immune system is once again properly functioning.
• Activated macrophages only remain active for 7 days so any negative responses are generally short-lived. That said, some people do have strong inflammatory responses that are not believed to be typical die-off reactions.
• It has been indicated that other medications may be needed in our clinic we use our standard Hepapressin or Nexavir protocol.
• VDR genetics do not seem to play a role in predicting response as earlier thought according to one practitioner that I have spoken with. That said, Vitamin D levels do correlate with the positive response rate of GcMAF. Thus, Vitamin D supplementation may be required in order to optimize outcome.
• Other than die-off reactions or activation of symptoms (inflammation), no other side effects are generally expected.
• Nagalase should be monitored every 1-2 months while on treatment to determine the required duration of the therapy. Target nagalase after treatment would be 0.4 to 0.6. Again a suitable lab has yet to be found.
• Elevated nagalase has a profound detrimental effect on the immune system. Elevated nagalase is often presumed to be related to microbes of viral origin or cancer. Viruses that are nagalase producers open the door to chronic infections.