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APPENDIX 5
CLAUDE PEPPER, FLA.
CHAIRMAN
EDWARD R. ROYBAL, CALIF.
MARIO BIAGGI, N.Y.
IKE F. ANDREWS, N.C.
JOHN L. BURTON, CALIF.
DON BONKER, WASH.
THOMAS J. DOWNEY, N.Y.
JAMES J. FLORIO, N.J.
HAROLD E. FORD, TENN.
WILLIAM J. HUGHES, N.J.
MARILYN LLOYD BOUQUARD, TENN.
JIM SANTINI, NEV.
ROBERT F. DRINAN, MASS.
DAVID W. EVANS, IND.
MARTY RUSSO, ILL.
STANLEY N. LUNDINE, N.Y.
MARY ROSE OAKAR, OHIO
ELIZABETH HOLTZMAN, N.Y.
JIM LLOYD, CALIF.
THOMAS A. LUKEN, OHIO
WES WATKINS, OKLA.
LAMAR GUDGER, N.C.
GERALDINE A. FERRARO, NY.
BEVERLY B. BYRON, MD.
WILLIAM R. RATCHFORD, CONN.
DAN MICA, FLA.
EDWARD J. STACK, FLA.
HENRY A. WAXMAN, CALIF.
MIKE SYNAR, OKLA.
. EUGENE V. ATKINSON, PA.
U.S. House of Representatives
Select Committee on Aging
Washington, D.C. 20515
TELEPHONE: (202) 225-9375
February 29, 1980
CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, IOWA
RANKING MINORITY MEMBER
WILLIAM C. WAMPLER, VA.
JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT, ARK.
JAMES ABONOR, S. DAK.
MATTHEW J. RINALDO, N.J.
MARC L. MARKS, PA.
RALPH S. REGULA, OHIO
ROBERT K. DORNAN, CALIF.
HAROLD C. HOLLENBECK, N.J.
S. WILLIAM GREEN, N.Y.
ROBERT (BOB) WHITTAKER, KANS.
NORMAN D. SHUMWAY, CALIF.
LARRY J. HOPKINS, KY.
OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, MAINE
DANIEL E. LUNGREN, CALIF.
CHARLES H. EDWARDS II
CHIEF OF STAFF
YOSEF J. REMER
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
VAL J. HALAMANDARIS
SENIOR COUNSEL AND
DIRECTOR OF OVERSIGHT
JAMES A. BRENNAN
ASST. TO THE CHAIRMAN
WALTER A. GUNTHARP, PH. D.
MINORITY STAFF DIRECTOR
Dear Doctor:
Your assistance in a matter of some concern to the House Select Committee
on Aging would be appreciated.
As you know, one of the major health problems in the nation, and particu-
larly for older Americans is arthritis. Every year millions of dollars are
spent on quack remedies and precious little on legitimate research. This mis-
direction of funds is unfortunate because we may be on the verge of major
breakthroughs.
For the last 15 years, a controversy has arisen about the value of dimethyl
sulfoxide (DMSO) for treating arthritis in humans. While a number of foreign
countries have approved the drug for this and other purposes, the United States'
approval of the drug has been more limited. Nationally, the drug may only be
used to treat interstitial cystitis in humans and for veterinary purposes. Two
States, Florida and Oregon, have enacted laws to legalize this product for
broader human use.
While we have learned that there is both widespread and legal use of this
drug in veterinary medicine, and a growing use in professional athletics, some
critics still decry DMSO as at best, useless, and at worst, dangerous.
May we have the benefit of your experience with DMSO? Would you please
take a moment to complete the attached sheet and return it to me at your
earliest possible convenience? Note that the questionnaire is sent "blind"
that is, you need not sign your name unless you wish to do so.
We appreciate your assistance in this matter.
With warm regards, and
Believe me,
Enclosure
Always sincerely,
Cand Pepper
Claude Pepper
Chairman
