Concerned that children were being given an untried drug with unknown results, the NIH expedited a clinical trial to study the drug's potential. The Seattle group is testing a preparation similar to that used in the Becks' case. Researchers are also testing a pure, synthesized version of secretin. The purpose of including both is to rule out the possibility that some other unknown compound in the porcine secretin preparation is having an effect. Each child will get one injection of secretin or a placebo and be evaluated for effects one month later.
Researchers expect to have preliminary results in about six months.
Children began receiving the injections late last month. However high the hopes, experts warn that secretin is not the first treatment to look promising. Some work for a few families. None seems to work for all. Most have not been scientifically tested.