Question 1

What does Campace do?

Accepted Answer

We explore the possibilities and the potential of complementary and alternative medicine with the aim of making it available to everyone. Currently, we are focussing on homeopathy. For this purpose, we develop research concepts, award research contracts, publish relevant results and train expert groups. As soon as we’ve collected sufficiently reliable hard facts, we support implementation of these therapy methods locally and abroad.

Question 2

What does Campace mean?

Accepted Answer

CAM is an acronym for "complementary and alternative medicine".
Pace is a multi-layered expression and a reflection of our approach to our research. At its centre it stands for patient-centered, which means that we align our research to the needs of patients. We aim at exploring and enhancing the potential of complementary healthcare methods, never losing sight of the concrete applicability of methods. Another meaning for “pace” is speed. We apply scientific and innovative research methods. We refer to a wide, international network of partners that share our vision. They support us with their knowledge and, at the same time, multiply our work. This network allows us to act quickly and, above all, flexibly. An essential aspect of our research is that we pursue a peaceful approach that does without animal testing and is not founded on competition. Pace in this context means “peace” (pace lat.= in peace).

Question 3

Why are we here?

Accepted Answer

We wish to achieve fairer medicine. We want to provide everyone with access to effective therapies, regardless of their economic, social or regional backgrounds. We are linked through basic values and beliefs, such as our faith in humans working together successfully, our awareness of what CAM can do for the benefit of patients and the idea of efficient, safe and sustainable open-source medicine. Our research uses cutting-edge technologies, supported by inspired, inquiring minds that help to fulfil our objectives.

Question 4

How does the team look like?

Accepted Answer

We are a team of women and men from different professional backgrounds.
Gregor Kindelmann, founder and director of Campace, organises the scientific network and develops the research systematics.
Karen Schürmann manages the office and is mainly responsible for developing Campace organisational structures.
Jörg Wichmann is creating a database of all currently known homeopathic remedies. Elisabeth von Wedel will be supporting the development of implementation strategies. Christine Lauterbach is responsible for training concepts.
Jeremy Sherr is on our scientific advisory board and contributes with his long-standing experience treatment and remedy provings.
Our cooperation with other research facilities links us to several scientists from the area of biotechnology. Our network also includes many therapists, donors and stakeholders involved in the field of complementary and alternative healthcare. They contribute with their specific expertise and help build and maintain organisational structures. Our organisation is constantly growing, which is a crucial requirement for the success of a project this size..

Question 5

What financial resources does Campace have?

Accepted Answer

On the one hand, Campace owns a share capital that allows us to establish the required basic organisational structures. One of the tests currently being carried out is funded through a research contract from Michael Gracher, who is with GSE Marketing and deeply committed to a number of projects. Next steps will allow us to operate on enhanced levels and will be financed through donations and funds.

Question 6

Why are we initiating our research activities in the area of homeopathy?

Accepted Answer

The basic effect of homeopathic products is evidenced in clinical research as well as in animal and plant models. A large part of systematic reviews, which are key criteria in evidence-based medicine, displays results that surpass mere placebo effects. Additionally, homeopathy already provides quite a few examinations from a wide range of scientific research areas: Jean-Louis Demangeat and Steven J. Cartwright show physical effects of exponential substances, Luc Montagnier finds biological impacts. Other research series demonstrate highly significant statistical effects in plant models, eg with lemna or wheat grass. And, of course, healthcare research proves that homeopathic treatments are effective. Positive results from homeopaths treating patients with severe diseases such as cancer suggest the need for further research in this context. Homeopathy is a relatively low cost, sustainable intervention. Further, it is heat and cold resistant and can be ingested. This makes it an attractive alternative in low-income and structurally weak regions.

Question 7

Do we really need more research? Are the treatment results and millions of satisfied patients not enough proof?

Accepted Answer

That would be too easy. Naturally, therapists and patients don’t need any proof, however, our research aims at improving methods and making them accessible to a larger number of patients. By using state-of-the-art research methods, our insights will advance rapidly and allow access to remedies that we’ve not been able to benefit from so far. Besides, a Forsa survey shows that 75% of its interviewees support further research of homeopathic methods. 50-60% of German citizens are currently using homeopathy. By conducting research in this way Campace will ultimately enable consumers to make informed and sound decisions.

Question 8

How are we different from other foundations and organisations that operate in the area of homeopathic research?

Accepted Answer

Our focus lies completely on practical treatments for patients. Our aim is to enhance and improve therapy methods.  We are interested in making fair and egalitarian healthcare accessible to all humankind. Furthermore, we would like to involve anybody interested in scientific research and want to enable both patients and therapists to make knowledgeable decisions. Additional evidence proving that homeopathy cannot simply be reduced to a placebo effect will merely be a by-product in future.

Question 9

How about the operating range of Campace?

Accepted Answer

We believe that many of the issues we deal with today can only be solved at a global scale. Therefore, our support network is international and our activities target improving healthcare, especially in low-income and structurally weak regions.

Question 10

What exactly do Campace activities look like?

Accepted Answer

The underlying methodology that Campace follows is developing research concepts and then awarding them to specialised institutions or scientists as research contracts. Subsequent findings are made available to specialists and the necessary training provided if so required. Moreover, we support the implementation of any new findings within the agenda of assistance projects locally and abroad, ie by affording medicines or diagnostic equipment as well as training employees.

Question 11

Are alternative and complementary methods a significant part of global healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Most definitely, yes. One of the conclusions the WHO “Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023” draws is that CAM provided by qualified practitioners can enhance and ensure general health care. Furthermore, it points out that CAM procedures have the potential to lower healthcare expenses. Considering the increasing numbers of chronical diseases, a more efficient collaboration between the traditional and alternative healthcare sector is recommended. .

Question 12

One of the first research projects undertaken by Campace deals with the effects of homeopathic remedies on cancer cells. Why has Campace chosen to start here?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons for choosing this focus. On the one hand, we’ve had some very encouraging results from treating cancer patients, for instance from Jens Wurster in Switzerland, the Banerji Foundation in India as well as from many other experienced therapists from across the globe. On the other hand, there are many individuals that still don’t have access to effective cancer treatments due to their social and economic situations. In pharmaceutical research, there have been significant, cell-based in-vitro tests aimed at examining the effects of different types of substances on cancer cells. These methods are integral parts of modern scientific research. We apply them to identify potentially valuable homeopathic medicines and carry out further tests.

Question 13

What is the exact question behind this research project? ?

Accepted Answer

The most important question is which medicines, besides the ones we already know, could have restraining effects on the growth of cancer cells, i.e. could activate the patients’ immune systems by improving recognition of and battle against cancer cells. Further, we’d like to find out which dosage or dosages provide the best results.

Question 14

The use of traditional medicine entails recurring drug resistances, side effects and environmental impacts. How does this affect homeopathic methods?"

Accepted Answer

Drug resistance is a critical issue. It should, by all means, be avoided. The use and application of homeopathic methods and other CAM processes can prevent drug resistance. Production of traditional medicines can have strong environmental impacts, especially in countries with less binding environmental requirements. And even when degrading some medicines have been shown to pollute water.
Homeopathic remedies do not have such an impact on the environment as they cause no toxic effects in higher potencies. They are therefore harmless to both patient and environment.  Against this background, it is only logical to renounce animal tests in homeopathic research. In terms of carbon emissions and preservation of biodiversity, homeopathic production processes are also more sustainable.

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