Episode 127: Dr. Mink Chawla – Blood Filter Seraph-100 Shows Promise To End Long COVID
In the 127th episode of "The Ultimate Human" podcast, host Gary Brecka engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Mink Chawla, an esteemed ICU physician and nephrologist with an impressive portfolio of over 170 peer-reviewed publications. The discussion delves into the innovative Seraph-100 blood filtration device, its development under a DARPA program, and its potential applications in combating Long COVID, cancer metastasis, and even influencing longevity and anti-aging.
1. Introduction to Dr. Mink Chawla and His Background
Gary Brecka introduces Dr. Mink Chawla as a distinguished figure in the medical field, highlighting his unique combination of expertise in both intensive care and nephrology. Dr. Chawla spent two decades at George Washington University Hospital, specializing in critical care and advanced dialysis techniques. His transition from academia to the pharmaceutical industry saw him contributing to the approval of Angiotensin II for septic shock at La Jolla Pharmaceutical Company—a notable achievement as it was the first drug approved for septic shock since the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1962.
Notable Quote [04:24]:
Dr. Chawla: "We got the first drug approved for septic shock since the Food, Drug and cosmetic act of 1962."
2. Development and Functionality of Seraph-100
Dr. Chawla explains that the Seraph-100 was conceptualized as a dialysis-like device designed to filter blood by removing a broad spectrum of pathogens, including viruses like SARS-CoV-2, bacteria, fungi, and even potential future unknown pathogens. Unlike traditional apheresis systems that rely on size exclusion, the Seraph-100 employs a surface affinity approach. The filter's surface mimics the endothelial glycocalyx, coated with heparin, which pathogens naturally bind to, effectively acting as a decoy and trapping these harmful particles without significantly affecting beneficial blood components.
Notable Quote [13:07]:
Dr. Chawla: "This device, the Seraph-100, that was developed in the DARPA program used a very different idea, and they used a concept called surface affinity."
3. Applications in COVID-19 Treatment
The Seraph-100 received emergency use authorization in 2020 and was promptly deployed in military and major medical centers, including Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center. It proved effective in reducing viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 and mitigating the hyperinflammatory state associated with severe COVID-19 cases. This reduction not only aids in acute treatment but also holds promise in alleviating symptoms of Long COVID by removing lingering spike proteins and inflammatory mediators from the bloodstream.
Notable Quote [21:19]:
Dr. Chawla: "Spike protein may not just be from a COVID infection. It could be from a persistent vaccine producing spike protein."
4. Potential in Cancer Metastasis Prevention
Dr. Chawla discusses the role of Seraph-100 in reducing circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are critical in the metastasis of cancer. By clearing these cells from the bloodstream, the device could potentially prevent the spread of cancer beyond the primary tumor site. Clinical cases have demonstrated reductions in CTCs, leading to improved patient well-being, including enhanced appetite and reduced pain.
Notable Quote [29:10]:
Dr. Chawla: "If you have pneumonia... it's just going to come right back. It's just going to refill everything."
5. Addressing Long COVID and Immune System Overload
The conversation shifts to the implications of Seraph-100 in treating Long COVID. Dr. Chawla emphasizes that chronic antigenemia—persistent presence of viral components in the blood—can overwhelm the immune system, leading to prolonged inflammatory states and symptoms like brain fog and fatigue. By removing these pathogenic particles and inflammatory mediators, Seraph-100 offers the immune system an opportunity to recalibrate and focus on genuine threats, potentially restoring better immune function.
Notable Quote [24:20]:
Gary Brecka: “...a slow, progressive decline in the immune system's ability to fight on so many fronts.”
6. Exploring the Intersection of Aging, Longevity, and Immune Health
Dr. Chawla extends the discussion to the broader implications of immune system health in aging and longevity. He posits that chronic inflammation and immune system overload are significant contributors to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. By utilizing Seraph-100 to remove pro-inflammatory and pathogenic particles from the blood, it may be possible to support immune function and slow aspects of biological aging, thereby promoting healthier and longer lives.
Notable Quote [87:36]:
Dr. Chawla: “To be able to reach your maximum God given impact. We're all unique... to be in your best physical and mental health as possible with the right intent.”
7. Controversial Insights on mRNA Vaccines and Spike Proteins
A contentious part of the discussion revolves around mRNA vaccines and their long-term effects. Dr. Chawla expresses concern over the use of pseudouridine in these vaccines, suggesting that it may lead to frameshift mutations in spike proteins, potentially contributing to adverse effects like myocarditis. He advocates for the measurement of spike proteins in the blood to diagnose and treat related conditions, especially Long COVID, and questions the safety and efficacy protocols surrounding current mRNA vaccines.
Notable Quote [46:38]:
Dr. Chawla: “I wouldn't. I don't want frameshifted proteins in me. And they actually looked at real patients who got a vaccine that doesn't cause. Frameshift proteins have no evidence of antibodies, frameshift proteins. 30% of the folks who got the Pfizer vaccine had evidence that they had frameshifts of proteins in their body.”
8. Future Prospects and Aspirations for Seraph-100
Looking ahead, Dr. Chawla envisions expanding the use of Seraph-100 beyond acute infections to chronic conditions and as a tool in longevity medicine. He highlights the dual role of the device in both therapeutically removing pathogens and in interrogating them to uncover underlying vulnerabilities, which could inform the development of new treatments. He is optimistic about integrating advanced diagnostics to enhance the device’s effectiveness in personalized medicine.
Notable Quote [81:35]:
Dr. Chawla: “…what is exciting is when something teaches you beyond your level of education and experience.”
9. Conclusion: Embracing Subtractive Therapy for Optimal Health
Gary and Dr. Chawla conclude with a shared enthusiasm for the potential of Seraph-100 to revolutionize treatment paradigms for chronic conditions, support immune health, and contribute to longevity. They underscore the importance of ongoing research, clinical trials, and the development of advanced diagnostics to fully harness the benefits of this innovative technology.
Final Notable Quote [87:36]:
Dr. Chawla: “To be able to reach your maximum God given impact. We're all unique... to be in your best physical and mental health as possible with the right intent.”
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- [04:24] Dr. Chawla: "We got the first drug approved for septic shock since the Food, Drug and cosmetic act of 1962."
- [13:07] Dr. Chawla: "This device, the Seraph-100, that was developed in the DARPA program used a very different idea, and they used a concept called surface affinity."
- [21:19] Dr. Chawla: "Spike protein may not just be from a COVID infection. It could be from a persistent vaccine producing spike protein."
- [24:20] Gary Brecka: “...a slow, progressive decline in the immune system's ability to fight on so many fronts.”
- [29:10] Dr. Chawla: "If you have pneumonia... it's just going to come right back. It's just going to refill everything."
- [46:38] Dr. Chawla: “I wouldn't. I don't want frameshifted proteins in me. And they actually looked at real patients who got a vaccine that doesn't cause. Frameshift proteins have no evidence of antibodies, frameshift proteins. 30% of the folks who got the Pfizer vaccine had evidence that they had frameshifts of proteins in their body.”
- [81:35] Dr. Chawla: “…what is exciting is when something teaches you beyond your level of education and experience.”
- [87:36] Dr. Chawla: “To be able to reach your maximum God given impact. We're all unique... to be in your best physical and mental health as possible with the right intent.”
Key Takeaways
- Seraph-100 is a groundbreaking blood filtration device developed under a DARPA program, initially authorized for emergency use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The device employs a surface affinity mechanism, mimicking the endothelial glycocalyx to effectively trap a wide range of pathogens without significant side effects.
- Beyond acute infections, Seraph-100 shows promise in reducing circulating tumor cells, potentially preventing cancer metastasis.
- The device may play a pivotal role in treating Long COVID by removing lingering spike proteins and inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating chronic symptoms.
- Dr. Chawla raises critical concerns about the long-term effects of mRNA vaccines, advocating for further research and measurement of spike proteins in the blood.
- The future of Seraph-100 includes applications in longevity medicine, chronic disease management, and advanced diagnostics to personalize treatment plans.
For more information on Dr. Mink Chawla, the Seraph-100 device, and ongoing clinical trials, visit the following links:
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