WPI: many negative XMRV studies have been poorly designed

by tonybritton on May 31, 2011:

Whittemore Peterson Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, May 31, 2011

WPI Response to the Science Editorial Expression of Concern

“We are extremely disappointed that the editor of Science has published an “editorial expression of concern”, regarding the Lombardi et al. study. The authors of the Lombardi study believe that it is premature to conclude that the negative studies are accurate or change the conclusions of the original studies and we fully agree,” said Annette Whittemore, President of the Whittemore Peterson Institute. “Much of the work on this new retrovirus has yet to be performed, and we look forward to new studies which will support the results and findings described by these accomplished scientists. There has been no attempt to fully replicate this study to date. All of the negative studies have failed to use the methods, materials or processes used in the original study and many have been poorly designed. WPI researchers will continue to perform the critical research needed to help the patients who suffer from neuro-immune disease.” In addition, the WPI will continue to offer other scientific researchers the materials and methods necessary to perform a full and accurate replication study in the future.

About The Whittemore Peterson Institute
The Whittemore Peterson Institute is the nation’s first comprehensive translational research facility dedicated to neuro-immune disease research, treatment, education and outreach.