McMichael's COVID-19 cure headed to test

4/8/2020

By Jim Poole

John McMichael’s cure for COVID-19 may be tested this week and next in an effort to fast-track it to an ailing public.
The Town of Wright scientist has partnered with a Memphis lab to test TML, the product Mr. McMichael developed that’s proven effective against COVID-19.
The hookup with Poplar Healthcare in Memphis came in the wake of last week’s Times-Journal story about Mr. McMichael that got national attention.
Physicians in Mr. Michael’s network, Beech Tree Labs, have been using TML for years to treat patients with herpes and influenza.
They’ve been trying TML on COVID-19 patients and had success. A week ago, about 20 around the country received TML and all recovered within 48 hours.
Now, the number of recovered patients “is fairly significant,” Mr. McMichael said Monday.
“We’re not keeping track because it’s become kind of routine,” he said. “Locally, there have been two or three in the Town of Wright. I’m getting ready to ship 100 vials to one of our physicians.”
Although TML has approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration for treating herpes and influenza, it needs further FDA approval for treating COVID-19.
However, physicians can use TML if they already have a relationship with a patient, Mr. McMichael said.
To be released to the public, TML needs the additional FDA sanction, and that’s where Poplar Healthcare comes in.
Coincidence played a part. Poplar Healthcare’s CEO, Jim Sweeney, learned of TML from a neighbor who’s a successful TML patient.
Mr. Sweeney connected with Mr. McMichael, who expects the tests to happen soon. It will be a ‘double-blind’ test; one group of patients will receive TML, and the other will get standard treatment.
Because TML has already proven effective, Mr. McMichael is confident.
“Assuming the test is positive, then we go right to the FDA,” he said.
TML’s earlier FDA approval for herpes and influenza may expedite the next step.
Last week’s T-J story, which described Mr. McMichael’s success with TML and his efforts to get it approved, drew high interest.
Assemblyman Chris Tague and former Assemblyman Pete Lopez, both of whom knew of Mr. McMichael’s national reputation, called to offer help.
However. . .
“It’s been very interesting in a perverse sort of way,” Mr. McMichael said. “We got a lot of phone calls and a lot of people stopping by, but except for one instance, there’s been not one peep from the medical community.”
That one peep came from Schoharie physician Joe Luz, who visited Mr. McMichael’s lab to learn more about TML.
“It has great promise,” Dr. Luz said afterwards. “It has potential for great benefits for folks with COVID-19.”
And he agreed that the approval process should move along quickly.
“There may be good news in the next few days,” Dr. Luz added. “We’re hoping for a positive outcome.”
Upon reflection, Mr. McMichael wasn’t surprised Dr. Luz was the only medical caller.
“In defense of the medical community, they’re probably overloaded with claims for cures and have to sift through them all,” he said.
Mr. McMichael believes his claim is a proven one and wants TML to get much wider use.
“The name of the game is getting this to the public,” he said.