Transfer Factors

(Formulas developed by the Biochemists at 4Life Research have been endorsed by world

renowned medical doctors and immunologists and are listed in the Physicians Desk Reference (PDR).)

Our bodies are designed to be "self-healing". Every day we are faced with threats from our microscopic environment. We may hear about another scary disease, or learn another Virus has "morphed". What you can't see, can hurt you. The uniqueness of 4Life Transfer Factor is that it not only supports, but also educates our immune system in a way that no other supplement can. It educates our Immune System to old and new threats. Transfer factors tell your Immune system where to strike, when to strike, how hard (or not) to strike AND when it's time to back down. Transfer factors are also non-species specific, meaning anyone or any kind of animal can benefit from taking it. Transfer Factor is a cutting-edge immune system booster and modulator. These T-lymphocyte produced lymphokines are the intelligence of the immune system. There are human formulas as well as animal formulas. The livestock stress formula for commercial operation and the canine, feline, and equine formulas for companion animals are a quantum leap forward in maintaining and restoring animal health!

Picture for your self an nice healthy barnyard...that's right! A really healthy, happy barnyard is a pretty stinky dirty place, right? Now add to that insect's carrying disease and all kinds of germs and bacteria, just floating around. Cows and chickens can get sick too, so let's say the cow's or chicken's pick up a "bug". Maybe it's just a cold "bug", or maybe it's something much worse! The cow's Immune system begins building "Anti-bodies" against that bug, to fight it off and become healthy. The chicken does the same. Now the Momma cow has a calf and the chicken lays an egg. The cow nurses her calf, and the first milk that comes out (called colostrum) is loaded with anti-bodies. Antibodies against that bug we talked about, and countless others that Momma cow has built up an "immunity" to! While the chicken has provided an anti-body rich yolk for her chick to grow on.

Now the brilliant people at the "4Life" company come along, and have found a way to extract only the "Immune MEMORY" from both the Momma cow's colostrum and the chicken's egg yolk! Then they figure out how to put it in a capsule and make it available for all of us to get those strong antibodies into our systems! No matter what the species or what the "threat", Transfer Factors WORK because they're non-species specific.

(Allergic To Dairy or Eggs? Transfer Factor is Non-Allergenic~Transfer Factor is the result of extracting only the immune protecting "molecule" from both the Colostrum and egg yolk protein cells. Therefore, it is not like eating or drinking dairy, chicken or egg products)

~ Why I Believe Transfer Factor Builds an Immune System Better Than Herbal Immune Products Alone Can ~

"Simplistically, transfer factor strengthens the immune system. But that is simplistic and could be used to describe a number of herbal products and other supplements. Let me answer this question, How does one discuss Transfer Factor™ in terms of structure-function claims?, by first reiterating that transfer factor is not just a single entity. Transfer factor is in fact a complex mixture containing three separate fractions. These three fractions are an INDUCER fraction, and ANTIGEN SPECIFIC fraction, and a SUPPRESSOR fraction. Since our immune systems fight the microbe wars for us, let me use a military analogy to explain these three functions. The inducer fraction serves as the drill Sergeant of basic training whipping the immune system into shape but not telling them who to go out and attack. The antigen specific fraction is like a set of wanted posters identifying critical features of the bad guys. If we were microbes these specific identifiers would be our fingerprints, mug shots, etc. Similarly a whole set of transfer factors are made against a single microbe type. Finally the suppressor fraction is like the politicians who declare an end to the war and demobilize the troops. Without this action a lot of excessive damage is done both in war and within ourselves. When our immune system does not demobilize or overreacts we suffer from autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and allergies. Unlike most immune supplements, that provide the building blocks for proper immune function, transfer factor is immune intelligence. It is immune information and education that focuses the immune system keeping it on task and effective. This is a whole new concept in immune system strengthening." ~William Hennen, Ph, D.

"Pollution, drug overload and nutrient-poor diets compromise our immune health. Drugs aren't the answer for immune enhancement. The immune system is not responsive to drugs for healing. Antibiotics used to fight infections actually depress the immune system when used long-term. But natural nutritive forces, like healing foods and herbal medicines can and do support the immune system. Transfer factor is the name of the molecules in the immune system that transfer and establish the immune system in a newborn. These molecules were first discovered in the late 40's by Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence. Transfer factors have been studied for decades by scientists from all over the world, and thousands of studies exist.

"Most of the chronic diseases we commonly see in animals (and humans) have an immune basis, e.g. diabetes, allergies, asthma, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, repeated ear infections, cancer, etc. While they can be cured through the careful use of homeopathy, the road to cure can be a long one -- often years if the animal has had years of disease. Transfer factors can significantly shorten the course, by giving a much needed balancing effect to the immune system. If the immune system is overactive as in allergies, ear infections, asthma, diabetes, or hypothyroidism, Transfer Factor can balance this over activity so the system is not attacking its own organs, overreacting to things that shouldn’t be perceived as a threat. If, conversely, the immune system is under-active as in mange, parasites, viral infections, or cancer, Transfer Factor Plus can clearly stimulate it to better meet the challenges it needs to be alert to."

Anyone—healthy or diseased, with a few exceptions—benefits from regular transfer factor supplementation. The use of transfer factor has resulted in no reports of serious adverse reactions, even when clinically administered in doses in excess of normal for prolonged periods.

Those with specific ailments also benefit. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of transfer factor in eliminating or alleviating symptoms of herpes, chronic fatigue syndrome, Epstein Barr, hepatitis, secondary infection due to AIDS, Candida, cancer and many other disorders. Studies have also shown than continual use provides the greatest benefit with maximum immune activity occurring 24 to 48 hours after initial dosing.

The need for transfer factor as an adjunct to better health stems from the growing awareness that prevention is the best source of treatment. With the increasing risks of antibiotic resistance and significant health threats, such as SARS, the medical community increasingly turns to the inherent concept of vaccines—prevention.

Transfer factors are akin to vaccines. But, rather than expose the patient’s immune system to the actual disease or a deactivated version of the same, transfer factors expose the patient’s immune system to the memory of a health threat—whether foreign or native—and the knowledge of how to best respond to protect itself.

"I have now completed a retrospective study comparing children in our practice who did not use Transfer Factor; during the same period. 87 children, age 8 months through 9 years, used Transfer Factor. We found 74% less reported illness and 84% less reported use of antibiotics." Dr. Markowitz, M.D is a general pediatrician for more than 20 years in Kennebunk, Maine with a patient base of 4,500 children, is conducting an ongoing retrospective study of patients who are consuming Transfer Factor.

In a landmark study, Dr. H. Hugh Fudenberg, M.D. found that of 22 Autistic children, 21 improved significantly and 10 were considered to be recovered and mainstreamed in their schools following Transfer Factor treatment. After the treatment was discontinued, some showed regression, but none returned to their prior baseline levels. Dr. Fudenberg used the lymphocyte based Transfer Factor in his treatment, and while these results have been replicated using that treatment protocol, they have not been replicated using the colostrum based treatment.

"Transfer Factor is being heralded as the most exciting discovery in immunology to come along in decades. Taking Transfer Factor is like downloading immune information directly from the cow’s immune system to ours. It gives our immune Army Generals classified information about the invading enemy. It’s completely different from any mineral, vitamin or herb–it’s immune intelligence. As a physician, it is easy to tell my colleagues about this product that is scientifically based and so effective. There are hundreds of scientific studies backing up the scores of personal experiences about Transfer Factor."

Robert Robertson, M.D.
Former Emergency Room Physician
4Life Medical Advisory Board

Please click on this link and listen to multiple Doctors talking about Transfer Factor PLUS and it's role in prevention in Cancer and Pandemics. To listen to this10 minute presentation about "Transfer Factor" click below:

Check with the National Alert Registry Above For Child Sex Offenders In Your Neighborhood

Transfer factor is an all natural substance that works by "teaching" your own immune system to identify infectious agents that attack your body every day.

Rob Robertson, MD - "Transfer factors are tiny protein molecules that are produced by immune cells called T-cells. It allows the immune system to remember conditions for which immunity has already been established. When a person has been infected, for example, with chicken pox in childhood, their body develops a memory of that illness, and prevents the person from becoming re-infected with it later in life. In the future, the specific immune transfer factor molecule for chicken pox will endow the immune system with the exact ‘blueprint’ of what chicken pox looks like, and the body will be able to quickly recognize and respond to any possible re-infection. Many of these transfer factors - or "immune memory molecules," were introduced to us from our mother’s milk or colostrum, which is the richest source of concentrated transfer factors known to scientists. Transfer factors in colostrum have the sole purpose of transferring immunity from the mother to the baby’s immature immune system. All mammals produce transfer factor, but scientists prefer to work with chicken and normal bovine colostrum. A healthy cow already produces millions of different transfer factors, but when the cow comes into contact with a pathogen such as a virus, it produces a new transfer factor for that specific virus or pathogen. For individuals challenged by specific pathogens – such as those suffering with chronic illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, supplementation with the appropriate transfer factor molecule may provide the ‘missing link,’ thereby allowing the immune system to target and destroy the offending pathogen, and mitigate the symptoms of the disease."

The two most abundant and safest sources of transfer factors come from cow colostrum and egg yolks. 4Life uses these sources in its products to harness both the broad spectrum and targeted immune benefits they provide. Both the cow and the chicken live mainly outside where they eat from the ground, drink from a shared water source, endure all types of weather conditions and contend with all the challenges that come with living in a herd. These open environments leave them exposed to a variety of germs, bacteria and viruses every day, which their immune systems must battle against and then maintain in their memory to keep them healthy throughout their lives. Fortunately, the heroic nature of their immune systems gives them the strength they need to survive.

With Transfer Factor you have the ability to borrow and utilize immune memory from the cow and the chicken so when you come in contact with the same infectious organisms, you have an incredible advantage~ your system is ready to remember, recognize and respond to foreign invaders faster and more aggressively. 4Life uses both the cow and chicken to source polyvalent, or broad-spectrum, transfer factors that provide a wide range of immune support. For targeted support, egg sources are specially farmed to benefit specific body systems. Transfer Factor represents a foundation of health for animals and humans alike. They are rare elements that remain constant, no matter what the source, and can be universally shared to strengthen immunity— to protect and enhance life.

Transfer Factor is Non-Allergenic~Transfer Factor is the result of extracting only the immune protecting "molecule" from both the Colostrum and egg yolk protein cells. Therefore, it is not like eating or drinking dairy, chicken or egg products.

Transfer factor: Long-awaited next step in immunotherapy

Publish date: Feb 1, 2003
By: Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM

Immunotherapy was predicted to be one of the most rapidly expanding areas of medical science in this decade.

Proposed advances in our ability to manipulate the protection offered by the body's own immune system were going to make humans and animals far healthier and were promising to increase both the length and quality of life.

Immune agents were going to be our new defenses against those microorganisms that no longer responded to antibiotics and diseases from allergies to cancer were going to be subdued by this new field.

Slow in coming

To date, however, those advances have been slow in coming. We have not been able to manipulate the body's own defenses as planned and we have few effective immune stimulants.

Positive research data has been piling up concerning the most promising immune agent in years, though, and immunologists may be finally making good on their earlier predictions.

Transfer factor, as this new immune compound is being called, may be the long-awaited "next step" and it may be everything that was promised.

Richard Bennet Ph.D., an infectious disease immunologist writes, "It is our ability to create a really healthy immune system that I think represents the greatest potential gains in health in the world."

It is the immune system, after all, which provides humans and animals with the ability to recognize and remember potentially harmful foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system allows us to then respond to these threatening invaders in our systems.

Devastatingly familiar

The consequences of conditions of suppressed or damaged immune systems are devastatingly familiar to veterinarians.

Arab foals with combined immunodeficiency complex and older horses with chronic laminitis due to Cushing's disease-related effects are but two such examples. Respiratory problems in young foals, allergies, skin infections, and hoof wall diseases are other problems that can also be related to immune system dysfunction.

A new agent that would vastly improve immune function in horses would certainly warrant some attention. Transfer factor promises to be this new agent. It is a component of colostrum and is produced to be used as a powder added to the diet.

Structure, function

To understand what this colostral derivative may potentially mean to veterinarians and horses, it is necessary to briefly review the structure and function of the immune system.

The body has two principal immune defense systems: humoral and cellular. B-lymphocytes in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow produce plasma cells that in turn produce antibodies in the gamma globulin fraction. These immunoglobulins can potentially recognize huge numbers of antigens. This is the basis of humoral immunity.

Humoral immunoglobulins are primarily designed to fight bacterial infections. Lymphocytes that populate the thymus become responsible for cellular immunity. These cells produce structures called lymphokines that mediate delayed hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. They are responsible for rejection of transferred foreign tissue and for the recognition and rejection of tumor cells.

The cellular immunity system is responsible for defense against infections due to viruses, fungi and some types of bacteria and cancers. Transfer factor stimulates both portions of the immune system.

In the beginning

In 1949, Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence, a researcher working on tuberculosis, found that he could transfer immunity between patients using fractionated white blood cells. The key ingredient was a part of the lymphocyte cell, and Lawrence called this component "transfer factor."

This discovery was not actively pursued for nearly 30 years until the late '80s. At that time colostrum and milk were discovered to contain significant amounts of transfer factor. The exact mechanism of action of transfer factor has never been determined but it is now known that transfer factor is a lymphokine. The two most notable lymphokines are interferon and interleukins.

These lymphokines are protein messengers thought to be released by antigen-sensitized lymphocytes. They play a role in macrophage activation, lymphocyte transformation (the process of precursor cells becoming B and T cells), and in cell-mediated immunity. Transfer factor is one of the most potent messengers and has three distinct effects on the immune system.

Recognizes antigens

Transfer factor helps the body recognize antigens.

Dr. M. Metz, a veterinarian consulting for 4LifeResearch, the company which has the patent for extracting transfer factor from colostrum, points out that 200 mg (one capsule) of transfer factor has the potential for recognizing at least 100,000 pathogens. Metz adds that not only can transfer factor be specific for an individual antigen that a lymphocyte is exposed to, but "transfer factor can also stimulate a multivalent response."

In this type of response, transfer factor activates lymphocytes to several strains of an organism.

"This is the really exciting part of transfer factor from a practicing veterinary standpoint," says Metz.

4LifeResearch has found that by exposing cattle to various bacteria and viruses they can produce transfer factor that will stimulate immunity to other related strains of bacteria and viruses that are much more pathogenic to other species.

"The other really exciting aspect of transfer factor," says Metz, "is the time sequence."

Most types of delayed hypersensitivity immunity, such as that seen with vaccine use, take 10 to 14 days to develop. Transfer factor, according to Metz, activates that same immunity in 24 hours!

Natural killer

Transfer factor is also a natural killer cell inductor. These cells are non-specific attack cells that seek out and destroy infected or malignant cells and cells infected by viruses.

Transfer factor increases natural killer cell activity five times over normal rates and it is non-species specific. It is believed that this aspect of transfer factor is related to the significant improvements seen in certain cancer patients that have taken this product. Multiple sclerosis patients have also shown improvements.

Transfer factor in cats, dogs, horses, cows and humans is virtually identical structurally and completely identical functionally. This has helped in the production of this product since cows can produce large quantities of colostrum that is then used for extraction of transfer factor.

A number of companies are producing colostrum and claiming that these products contain transfer factor. While this is true, only 4LifeResearch has the exclusive patent on the process to extract only transfer factor. This process allows for the concentrated and purified production of transfer factor.

Suppresses immune function

Transfer factor is also a suppressor of immune function.

It is paradoxical that the same product can both stimulate and suppress immune function but transfer factor function depends on the specific antigens and the status of the immune response. Transfer factor can stimulate the release of T suppressor cells when "down" regulation is necessary due to over activity. Autoimmune diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and allergic reactions are situations where the body's own immune response has over-responded to antigenic stimulation. Transfer factor works in these situations because it can slow down this overactive response.

Obvious advantages

While discussions of the immune system tend to be fairly technical, the practical advantages of a potent new immune stimulating treatment are obvious.

The ability to stimulate the horse's body to attack and destroy bacteria and viruses will reduce the amount and types of antibiotics that may need to be used by veterinarians. It is important to try to retain those antibiotics that are available to veterinarians and to use them in a way that will maintain their effectiveness for as long as possible.

If veterinarians can stimulate a better immune response to respiratory bacteria, skin pathogens and various viruses, then the need to use antibiotics is lessened. If transfer factor can produce such boosts in immunity in 24 hours then the potential for use as a pre-travel protectant, or a post-exposure treatment is tremendous.

Horses suffering from other diseases such as Cushing's disease, laminitis, colitis, cancers ranging from sarcoids to melanomas and reproductive conditions such as chronic metritis, may all benefit from transfer factor use. This product may indeed be the long-awaited next step and the field of immunotherapy may finally fulfill its promise.

About the Author

Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM

Directions for giving the human formula Transfer Factor to animals, as suggested by the 4Life Company:

"I have two pigeons. I just returned from Germany where there was an international show for pigeons. One of my birds became very ill. Its droppings became very watery and green. I decided to try to Transfer Factor™. WOW! The pigeon was up and running around like a spring chic."

"Use Transfer Factor Animal Stress Pack. Mix 1 level tsp./ 2 oz. (5T.) water. Give as drinking water. For larger amounts (pigeons, poultry, etc.) mix 1 to 2 oz. (1/2 to 1 packet) Stress Pack with 1 gallon of drinking water. Change water daily and give 7-14 days. This would be useful in any infectious diseases and is intended for use in short term (max 14 days) only. I also use the animal stress pack when I want to get high levels of the TF in someone right away. It's very soluble and tasty in this form. For longer term use, say in liver disease or tumors, I'd graduate to the Transfer Factor Plus, guesstimating the dosage based on bodyweight from the cat dose." — Layne Bowles

These products have absolutely no toxicity or side effects even at mega doses. You may increase the amounts even further to achieve the desired level of immune efficiency.

Original test results showed that 4Life Transfer Factor Classic boosted NK cell activity 103% above normal immune response without supplementation, more than two times higher than the next highest product.

Now, recent studies conducted by the Russian Academy of Medical Science validate these original results and report that 4Life Transfer Factor Advanced Formula boosts NK cell activity by 283 percent and 4Life Transfer Factor Plus Advanced Formula propels NK cell activity to a remarkable 437 percent above normal immune response! Studies also showed that 4Life Transfer Factor Classic increased NK cell activity by 204 percent when tested at a 48-hour activation time.

*Test results obtained from two independent NK cell studies. Original test using 4Life Transfer Factor Classic bovine formula utilized a four-hour activation time. Secondary blind study test results, conducted by Dr. Anatoli Vorobiev, head of Immunology, at the Russian Academy of Medical Science, used 4Life Transfer Factor TriFactor Formula (Transfer Factor E-XF proprietary blend of both cow colostrums and egg yolk sources) and a 48-hour activation time. Comparison of activation times demonstrated that the longer activation time (48 hours) using the 4Life Classic and Advanced Formulas promoted a significantly greater percentage increase of NK cell response. Samples were tested for maximum time of effectiveness.

Excerpted from Transfer Factor: Natural Immune Booster© 1998
Printed by Permission from Woodland Publishing (800 777-2665)

Our health is directly influenced by our immune system. A balanced and healthy immune system is central to the body's ability to defend against infections. "It is our ability to create a healthy immune system that represents the greatest potential for gains in human health."1

Today, however, many factors contribute to the general weakening of the body's defenses. Antibiotics have begun to fail as the resistance of many infectious strains multiplies. Due to the failure of government control of health codes, deterioration of water quality, and frequent international travel diseases now spread more easily than ever before.

Fortunately, recent research has uncovered a natural agent that can increase our ability to fight disease and improve the quality of life for many people. Transfer factor is the name given to this relatively new agent. It is found in colostrum and other sources and is a natural way of strengthening our immune systems against disease.

Transfer factor is the most exciting health discovery in recent decades. Transfer factors are small immune messenger molecules that are produced by higher organisms.2 Their role is to transfer immune recognition signals between immune cells and thereby assist in educating naive immune cells about a present or potential danger.

In the harsh and hostile environment in which a baby suddenly finds itself, invading microorganisms could rapidly overcome and destroy the new life. Nature has provided a procedure to rapidly educate the infant's naive immune system. Prior to delivering a baby, the expectant mother prepares a natural immunizing cocktail that she includes in the first milk (colostrum) she provides to her new baby. Transfer factor is a key part of this process.

Dr. C. H. Kirkpatrick determined that transfer factors were small peptides of about eight amino acid residues.7 Eighteen different amino acids have been represented which may combine to create billions of different transfer factors. These very small transfer factor molecules contain the essence of the immunological message.

Transfer factors do not elicit an allergic response and are not species-specific! What this means is that transfer factors produced by a cow are just as effective in humans as they would be in another cow. This exciting ability could spark a revolution in medicine and has prompted the following statement: "Transfer factor [has] an important role to play in modern medicine which, from AIDS to Ebola, faces the emergence of new viruses or the resurfacing of old pathologies such as tuberculosis."4

"Transfer factors have been successfully used to treat the following disease/disorders:

Neurological, Auto-Immune, Viral, Parasitic, Fungal, & Malignant challenges."

The immune system is a multifaceted system comprised of more than a trillion cells, with a collective weight of about 1 kg (2.2 pounds).2 There are three essential properties of the immune system: first, it has the ability to recognize alien substances such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites; second, it specifically reacts to each invading pathogen; and third, the immune system remembers the alien invader and quickly repels future invasions.5

Many infectious agents mutate readily, thereby presenting a different appearance to the immune system. This is the reason that we are repeatedly susceptible to viral infections such as colds and flues. Some parasites also rapidly mutate to evade our immune defenses. This is the reason for the cyclical flare-ups experienced by malaria victims. Each mutation that alters the appearance of the virus or parasite must be dealt with by a separate immune response.

Within the immune system there are two separate responses to abnormal or foreign substances. The first response is called the humoral immune reaction which involves the production of immunoglobulins, often referred to as "antibodies." The second response is the cellular immune response, or cell-mediated immunity (CMI). This response depends on communication between various types of immune system cells (lymphocytes).

To communicate between cells, the immune system employs hormone-like signal substances. Transfer factors are one class of immune communication substances that have been recently discovered.

An immature immune response may take 10-14 days to fully develop. This is what is called delayed hypersensitivity. Such a delay is not always healthy, as can be attested to by anyone who has fought a cold or flu for two weeks or more. Transfer factors can help because they include both inducer/helper functions (Inducer Factors) and a suppressor function (Suppressor Factor).9 The Inducer Factor is the transfer factor component that translates an apparently mature immune response from the donor to the recipient. Transfer factors have been shown to induce an immune response in less than 24 hours.9 Nevertheless, an overactive immune response to innocuous agents such as pollens or even our own body cells is not healthy. Suppression of such overreactions helps to control allergies and to prevent autoimmune diseases. Thus, both Inducer Factor and Suppressor Factor are part of an immunoregulatory network that keeps our immune system balanced.

Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals, is a rich source of transfer factors.11 The role of the transfer factors in colostrum is to imprint on the infant immune system the recognition codes it needs to identify pathogens as hostile invaders.12 In an infant, initial immunity is established rapidly if the baby is allowed to nurse. Infants who are not breast-fed consistently show a greater susceptibility to infections and allergies.

The immunoglobulins found in colostrum can (and do) cause allergic reactions in other species. They are the source of most cow-milk allergies in humans.3 Transfer factors, on the other hand, are not allergenic. In addition, as would be expected from the discovery of transfer factors in colostrum, it has been shown that transfer factors are equally effective whether administered by injection or taken orally.7 13 It has also been shown that a long-term oral administration of transfer factor preparations is safe.14 15 Infants and the elderly are the two groups especially at risk for infections. Oral administration of transfer factor is convenient and easily accepted by these age groups.16

Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence discovered that an immune response could be transferred from a donor to a recipient by injecting an extract of leucocytes.6 The extract was postulated to contain a factor capable of transferring the donor's immunity to the recipient. Lawrence called this substance transfer factor, the term now used by scientists.

Thousands of papers have been published on the use of transfer factors. Early on, results were erratic--everything from a complete and miraculous cure to a complete and total failure could be expected. The promise of transfer factor as the answer to all our immunological problems seemed too good to be true. A number of conditions were working against scientists that were exploring the potential of transfer factor. Three of these conditions are especially noteworthy: 1) complexity, 2) quality control, and 3) conventional bias.

Transfer factor extracts are complex, containing an estimated 200 or more individual transfer factors; not a single chemical entity like a standard pharmaceutical drug. Just as in nature, synergy between parts is the key. Separating natural products into their individual components often diminishes either efficacy (as in the case of St. John's wort and hypericum) or safety (as in the case of foxglove and digitalis). This may also be true for transfer factors. Indicative of this is the recent discovery of two, new, potent, transfer factor molecules, IMREG I and IMREG II.17 Each of these molecules has its own specific function and purpose in a balanced immune system.

The second hurdle that had to be overcome was one of quality control. No reliable assay was available to test whether the extract was properly prepared. This problem was overcome by Wilson and Fudenberg, who were issued a patent for their discovery.18

The third issue is a matter of intellectual bias, often seen when a new concept or discovery is introduced. The idea of transfer factors simply flies in the face of conventional immunology. We could draw a parallel between medieval biases and those of today. In the 14th century, the Black Plague killed a quarter of the European population.19 Attempts to deal with the Plague were blocked by superstitious adherence to conventional beliefs. Similarly, the progress of transfer factor research has been inhibited by the conventional dogmas of immunology. Even now this bias stifles progress that could be made in critical areas.

At the end of the 20th century, the triumph of biology is indisputable. . . . However, the triumph of biological science is far from being complete. The toll of several diseases, such as cancer, continues to rise and the pathogenesis of AIDS remains elusive.

In the realm of inductive science, the dominant paradigm can seldom be challenged in a frontal attack, especially when it is apparently successful, and only what Kuhn calls 'scientific revolutions' can overthrow it. Thus, it is hardly surprising that the concept of transfer factor is considered with contempt . . . [since] its putative mode of action contravenes dogmas of both immunology and molecular biology. And when facts challenge established dogmas, be [it] in religion, philosophy or science, they must be suppressed . . . because they challenge the prevalent paradigm. However, when observations pertain to lethal disorders, their suppression in the name of dogmas may become criminal. Because of the failure of medical science to manage the AIDS pandemic, transfer factor, which has been successfully used for treating or preventing viral infections, may today overcome a priori prejudice and rejection more swiftly.20 Emerging strains of new, antibiotic-resistant "super-bugs" are a global problem.8 Over a dozen new food borne pathogens have been identified in the last twenty years.10 The American Society for Microbiology lamented that the spirit of cooperation and trust needed to deal with these problems appears to be lacking.21

Just as clear evidence suggested a solution in dealing with the Black Plague, so too clear evidence indicates a potential solution to our modern plagues. We must take individual responsibility for our own health by strengthening our immune systems. This is the most critical health issue we face and transfer factor can play a major role in maintaining our immediate and long-term health.

Transfer factor is not to be considered an "experimental" since the substance has been used by the medical community for many years, and has been covered by several health insurance carriers. Numerous studies were cited that showed the effectiveness of transfer factor as an immune disorder treatment. Blue Cross Blue Shield among other carriers has reimbursed historically for transfer factor use. Transfer factor is covered under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. A Medicare carrier is responsible to reimburse to the extent of the claim (i.e. 80% if an 80/20 plan minus an unmet deductible, if any). Cited case 565-36-34896A - (HIC) 000-99-0053 - Docket Number

Administrative Law Judge Office of Hearings and Appeals 24th Floor
100 Van Hess Ave. San Francisco CA 94102

Department of Health & Human Services
Social Security Administration
Office of Hearings & Appeals

Marna Slocam (Claimant/Beneficiary)
vs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (Carrier/Intermediary)

We have reports of three other cases where clients were reimbursed by their insurance companies (in accordance with their 80/20 policies). Each regional office of each company will be different. You will probably have to educate your insurance company yourself. Use any information on this site to help . You may also need something from your doctor.

This information is reported by a third party for your own use. We cannot accept any responsibility for the actions of an insurance company or an attorney. If your insurance company is unfamiliar with Transfer Factor, you will have to educate them on what it is and what it is used for. Feel free to use any information on this site for that purpose.

All material provided in this website is for educational purposes only. The information provided may not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment of any disease or medical condition. You should seek advice from your health care professional regarding the applicability of any information or opinion for diagnosis/treatment of any symptoms or medical condition. Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. I have not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1. Personal communication with Richard Bennet, Ph.D. (11/17/97).
2. Immunology, Immunopathology and Immunity. Sell S. Appleton and Lange: Stamford CT 1996.
3.Allergenicity of orally administered immunoglobulin preparations in food-allergic children. Bernhisel-Broadbent J, Yolken RH, Sampson HA. Pediatrics 1991, 87(2), 208-14.
4. Transfer Factor in the Era of AIDS. Pizza G, Viza D. Biotherapy 1996, 9(1-3), ix-x.
5. Immunology in a Nutshell. Eberhand Wecker. Mannheim: BI. Wissenschaftverlag. 1992.
6. The cellular transfer of cutaneous hypersensitivity to tuberculin in man. Lawerence HS. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1949, 71, 516.
7. Activities and characteristics of Transfer Factors. Kirkpatrick CH. Biotherapy 1996, 9(1-3), 13-6.
8.A) Reasons for the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Tenover FC, McGowan JE Jr. Am J Med Sci 1996, 311(1), 9-16. B) Medline Search 1994-1997.
9. Transfer Factor--current status and future prospects. Lawrence HS, Borkowsky W. Biotherapy 1996, 9(1-3), 1-5.
10.Emerging Foodborne Diseases: An Evolving Public Health Challenge. Tauxe RV.The National Conference on Emerging Foodborne Pathogens: Implications and Control, March 24-26, 1997, Alexandria, Virginia, USA Emerging Infectious Diseases 1997, 3(4)
11. Personal communication from Drs. Greg Wilson and Gary Paddock.
12. Transfer Factor: Past, Present and Future. Fudenberg HH, Fudenberg HH. Ann Rev Pharm Tox 1989, 475-516.
13. Murine Transfer Factors: dose-response relationships and routes of administration. Kirkpatrick C H, Hamad AR, Morton LC. Cell Immunol 1995, 164(2), 203-6.
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15. Oral bovine Transfer Factor (OTF) use in the hyper-IgE syndrome. Jones JF, et al. In: Immunobiology of Transfer Factor. Academic Press: New York. 1983, pp 261-70.
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