Peter Frampton and Inclusion Body Myositis

Peter Frampton is one of the most talented musicians known and he has been a star since his teenage years.  In spite of his massive success, Peter Frampton remains humble and true to his character, he is on a mission to raise funds and awareness for Inclusion Body Myositis, a medical condition that he was diagnosed with not too long ago.

After feeling tired while hiking and throwing a frisbee, he wasn’t sure if it was a big deal or not.  He fell on stage and although he laughed it off, he knew it was time to see a doctor.  His doctor noticed that he had lost 10 lbs.  He was referred to a neurologist and that’s when he found out that had Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM).

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Inclusion body myositis (IBM) causes muscle weakness that may worsen over time and damage the muscles. The areas affected the most are usually wrists and fingers, front of the thighs and front of the legs below the knee. As the muscles in these areas gradually waste away, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Frequent tripping and falls
• Muscle weakness in the quadriceps, hand, forearm and ankle
• Knees giving way
• Loss of ability to walk or dexterity in your hands
• Difficulty raising the front of your foot (drop foot)

These symptoms usually develop gradually — over a period of months and, sometimes, years. Symptoms are not always present or equally felt on both sides of the body. The location, severity and onset of symptoms may vary from person to person.

There is currently no treatment that can reverse or rid your body of inclusion body myositis. Despite the autoimmune component, IBM doesn’t respond well to immunotherapy. Many inclusion body myositis patients could also benefit from physical, occupational and speech therapy. There are also ongoing clinical trials for myositis. However, because the condition is rare, affecting maybe eight out of every 1 million Americans, IBM has not garnered huge research funding. Neither has it been a big focus of drug development by pharmaceutical companies. 

Peter Frampton started the Peter Frampton Myositis Research Fund at Johns Hopkins to raise money for research.  To donate, please visit:

https://www.hopkinsmyositis.org/gift/peter-frampton-myositis-research-fund/

or
Donations can be mailed to:

The Johns Hopkins Myositis
Center Development Office
Mason F. Lord Building,
Center Tower
Suite 358
5200 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21224

Please make checks Payable to Johns Hopkins University.