Eczema And Hay Fever May Be Falling After Rising In Recent Decades

After having risen year on year in recent decades, the rates of eczema and hay fever seem to have stabilised, and may even be falling, suggests research published ahead of print in Thorax.

But the rates of systemic allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis and those related to food have soared, the data suggest.

The research team carried out a time trends analysis on the rates of illness and death for allergic disorders, excluding asthma.

They used national representative data and information from national surveys, consultations with primary care health practitioners, prescriptions, hospital admissions, and deaths.

Diagnoses of allergic rhinitis and eczema in children have trebled over the past three decades, but the prevalence of symptoms seems to have fallen recently.

Hospital admissions for eczema have also stabilised since 1995, while those for allergic rhinitis have fallen to about 40% of their 1990 levels.

Similarly, consultations with a family doctor for hay fever rose by 260%, and for eczema by 150%, between 1971 and 1991. But once again, rates have stabilised in the past decade, the figures indicate.

However, hospital admissions for anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction in several areas of the body) have risen by 700%, those for food allergy by 500%, and those for the skin allergy urticaria by 100%.

Rates of angio-oedema, in which an absence of a specific protein promotes tissue swelling, leading to difficulties breathing, also rose by 40%.

Prescriptions for all types of allergy have also increased since 1991, the data show.

The findings suggest that while eczema and hay fever may have peaked, systemic allergies may be on the increase, say the authors.

They speculate that some of the trends could be explained by changes in medical practice and care, but they could also be attributable to changes in the sources of allergic disease.

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Contact: Emma Dickinson
BMJ Specialty Journals

New Children's Claritin(R) Grape Chewables Provide Non-Jittery, Non-Drowsy, All Day Relief For Kids' Allergy Symptoms

Helping young kids relieve their allergies during the busy back-to-school season just got easier. Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) today announced the introduction of CHILDREN'S CLARITIN(R) Grape Chewables, a pleasant-tasting, convenient and easy-to-take form of CHILDREN'S CLARITIN that relieves kids' worst allergy symptoms without causing jitteriness or drowsiness so they can focus on their school work -- not their allergies.

Allergies affect up to 40 percent of American children (1), who miss about two million school days a year due to bothersome symptoms (2) such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. Some allergy medicines are labeled to take every four to six hours, which may not cover the entire school day. Some may cause drowsiness or jitters, which may challenge the ability of young students to focus at school. CHILDREN'S CLARITIN Grape Chewables provide non- drowsy, non-jittery, all day relief while kids are at school so kids don't let allergy symptoms get in the way of doing their best work.

Nurse practitioner Regina Muccio, Pediatric Specialists of Foxborough and Wrentham, Mass., will now recommend CHILDREN'S CLARITIN Grape Chewables for the trusted relief of CLARITIN(R) allergy products that parents can rely on. "The chewable tablet is easy for kids to use, so all the medicine can go down easily every time," says Muccio.

CHILDREN'S CLARITIN Grape Chewables are safe for children ages two and up (3), and adds to the portfolio of CHILDREN'S CLARITIN formulations along with CHILDREN'S CLARITIN Fruit-flavored Syrup and Grape Syrup, introduced in 2005. CLARITIN(R) RediTabs(R) Tablets are approved for children ages 6 and up. Children who feel too old for syrup but not yet ready to use adult tablets now have an option that's just right.

CHILDREN'S CLARITIN Grape Chewables will be available at stores nationwide. For more information about CHILDREN'S CLARITIN visit http://www.claritin.com.

About CLARITIN

A pediatrician recommended brand, CHILDREN'S CLARITIN allergy products include CLARITIN Syrup, the first over-the-counter non-drowsy antihistamine safe for kids as young as two years of age. CLARITIN RediTabs Tablets is a once-daily tablet that melts instantly (4) in the mouth for children ages six and up. In 2003, the FDA approved CLARITIN Hives Relief(R)tablets as the first-ever indication for the OTC relief of itching due to hives, a common skin condition, for adults and children ages six and up.

About Schering-Plough

Schering-Plough Consumer Health Care is the U.S. over-the-counter (OTC) and consumer products business unit of Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP), a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 32,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com.

SCHERING-PLOUGH DISCLOSURE NOTICE:

The information in this press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to CLARITIN allergy products and the potential market for CLARITIN allergy products. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events. Schering-Plough does not assume the obligation to update any forward- looking statement. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from Schering-Plough's forward-looking statements, including market forces, economic factors, product availability, patent and other intellectual property protection, current and future branded, generic or over-the-counter competition, the regulatory process, and any developments following regulatory approval, among other uncertainties. For further details about these and other factors that may impact the forward-looking statements, see Schering-Plough's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's second quarter 2006 10-Q.

References:
(1) American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The Allergy Report. Vol. I. Rochester, NY: Academic Services Consortium, University of Rochester; 2000. 1.
(2) Meltzer EO. Quality of life in adults and children with allergic rhinitis. Mosby 2001. S49.
(3) When used as directed.
(4) Speed of dissolution does not imply speed of relief.

http://www.schering-plough.com
http://www.claritin.com

Are The Dangers Of Childhood Food Allergy Exaggerated?

Two child health experts go head to head in this week's BMJ over whether the dangers of childhood food allergy are exaggerated.

Professor Allan Colver from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne believes that the dangers are overstated, and that the increasing prescription of adrenaline injector kits fuels anxiety rather than saving lives.

Food allergy is often thought to be more dangerous and frightening than pneumonia, asthma, or diabetes, he writes. In reality, the risk of death is very small. Eight children under 16 years died from food allergy between 1990 and 2000 in the UK. That is one death per 16 million children each year. Yet childhood food allergy is being diagnosed more often and the number of prescribed adrenaline kits has greatly increased.

A diagnosis of food allergy creates much anxiety for all who care for the child, so it is important to get the diagnosis right, take sensible measures to reduce risk, and reassess regularly to check whether the child has grown out of their allergy, he says.

It is unclear what proportion of children with food allergy should be prescribed an adrenaline kit. The main argument in its favour is that reactions are best treated within a few minutes rather than waiting for medical assistance. But Colver suggests that they cause unnecessary anxiety, may not prevent death, and should be prescribed only when a diagnosis of food allergy has been confidently established.

The dangers of food allergies are not exaggerated, argues Professor Jonathan Hourihane from University College Cork, Ireland. Food allergy is common - 2% of adults and up to 6% of preschool children are affected and, although deaths are rare, other reactions are almost inevitable over time.

No tests are available to predict who will or will not have a severe allergic reaction, so management consists of empowering patients and providing rescue drugs. Delay in use of these drugs is associated with a worse outcome in severe reactions.

Proper management in allergy clinics means that most patients never have to use these drugs, but it is wrong to say that they are not needed, he says. Nobody is advocating "more general use" of adrenaline. What is advocated is increased availability of adrenaline kits for people who might need to use them. They should not be withheld because of the medical uncertainty surrounding allergy.

Food allergy is here to stay, he writes. The disease is a killer (though rarely); it can erode or inhibit normal formative experiences in childhood, and it impairs a child's quality of life. Let's get allergy services out of the academic centres and into the community, which is where food allergy is really "dangerous," he concludes.

Click here to view full paper: http://press.psprings.co.uk/bmj/september/ac494.pdf

Click here to view full contents for this week's print journal:
http://press.psprings.co.uk/bmj/september/contents.pdf

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AERIUS Now Approved For Use In Intermittent And Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

Schering-Plough Corporation today announced the launch of two multinational clinical trials, and an important label change for AERIUS (desloratadine) in the European Union (EU).  The ACCEPT (AERIUS Control: Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Tablets) trials will evaluate the efficacy, impact on quality of life, productivity, and pharmacoeconomics of AERIUS in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) (symptoms lasting four days or more per week and more than four weeks per year) or intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) (symptoms lasting less than four days per week or less than four weeks per year).  The trials will be conducted in collaboration with the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN), a clinical research network of leading European research teams from 16 countries. 

            "The ACCEPT trials are the first multinational studies to involve many of our GA2LEN sites," said Paul Van Cauwenberge, Vice-Chancellor, Ghent University, Belgium and Coordinator of GA2LEN.  "This is a unique collaboration between researchers and industry.  We are pleased to be involved and look forward to expanding our knowledge of managing allergic rhinitis and building an important research partnership with Schering-Plough."             The launch of these trials coincides with the publication of the updated "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma" (ARIA) guidelines, developed by the World Health Organization. 

            Allergic rhinitis has traditionally been classified as seasonal or perennial based on the time of exposure and the nature of the allergen (outdoor or indoor).  According to the updated ARIA guidelines, allergic rhinitis also can be classified as intermittent (IAR) or persistent (PER), based on the duration of the condition rather than the exposure to a seasonal or perennial allergen.  The ACCEPT trials are among the first studies to evaluate an antihistamine based on the ARIA guidelines' classification of allergic rhinitis.

            The ACCEPT trials will involve more than 1,300 patients at nearly 100 sites in 13 countries, and are estimated to be completed in the spring of 2007.              "The ACCEPT trials are landmark studies which will help harmonize standards in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis throughout Europe," said Torsten Zuberbier, MD Professor of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Berlin, and lead investigator on the ACCEPT studies.  "These studies will examine practical use of the new ARIA guidelines and evaluate the impact of treatment with desloratadine for patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis or persistent allergic rhinitis."

            The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has adopted changes to the European Union (EU) label for AERIUS.  AERIUS is now approved for use in IAR and PER and the terms have been added to the Posology and method of administration section (4.2) and the Pharmacodynamic properties section (5.1) of the AERIUS Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). 

            "Many patients are affected by both seasonal and perennial allergens.  The updated ARIA guidelines and the additional classifications of allergic rhinitis will help physicians more accurately assess and treat their patients' symptoms," said David Price, MD Professor, University of Aberdeen. 

About Allergic Rhinitis

As many as 94 million people across Europe are affected by allergic rhinitis (or hay fever) each year. 1   Symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.2 

            Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can have an impact on everyday activities at work, school and leisure time.  There also is a growing body of evidence that points to an association between allergies and more serious conditions, such as asthma.

            Survey data show that symptoms are most severe in the morning, and about two-thirds of respondents reported that morning suffering affects the rest of the day.3  Mornings can be an especially difficult time for all allergy sufferers in terms of allergic triggers because pollen concentrations are usually highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.  In addition, if a pet is sleeping in the bed, exposure to their dander during the night may account for the increased prevalence and severity of morning allergy symptoms.  People with allergies also should shower before going to bed to rinse off any pollen or pet dander that may have collected in their hair or on their body during the day.

The survey also showed that even though allergies are frequently a self-diagnosed condition, patients rely on medical experts to help properly manage their symptoms.3

About AERIUS®

            According to the new classification of the labeling, AERIUS Tablets and AERIUS Syrup is now approved to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (including intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis), in patients 12 years of age and older and patients 1 year of age and older, respectively.

AERIUS (desloratadine) is a nonsedating prescription antihistamine for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (including intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis) and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), or hives of unknown cause. AERIUS is available in two convenient forms.  In the European Union, AERIUS Tablets are available for adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older and AERIUS Syrup is available for children as young as 1 year of age.4

Research shows AERIUS provides powerful morning symptom relief.  In a study of 346 people with moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis, patients receiving AERIUS experienced significant improvement in morning scores versus placebo for both nasal and non-nasal symptoms.5  AERIUS, which has a 27-hour half-life, offers demonstrated efficacy at the end of the dosing interval.

The most common side effects in adults and adolescents with allergic rhinitis and CIU were fatigue, dry mouth and headache. In infants and toddlers aged 6 to 23 months who received AERIUS Syrup, the most frequent adverse events reported in excess of placebo were diarrhoea, fever and insomnia.  

About Schering-Plough Corporation

            Schering-Plough is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 32,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, N.J., and its Web site is http://www.schering-plough.com.

SCHERING-PLOUGH DISCLOSURE NOTICE:  The information in this press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to AERIUS and the potential market for AERIUS.  Forward-looking statements relate to expectations or forecasts of future events.  Schering-Plough does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.  Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from Schering-Plough's forward-looking statements, including market forces, economic factors, product availability, patent and other intellectual property protection, current and future branded, generic or over-the-counter competition, the regulatory process, and any developments following regulatory approval, among other uncertainties.  For further details about these and other factors that may impact the forward-looking statements, see Schering-Plough's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's second quarter 2006 10-Q.

# # # References: 
1. http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/pollen_allergy/stats-country.htm.  Statistics for Northern, Western, Central, Eastern, Southwestern, Southern and Southeastern Europe combined.
2. Management of Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma: Pocket Guide. 2001.
3. "Understanding the Dynamics Surrounding Allergy Suffering and Treatment" Forbes Consulting Group. 2005.
4. AERIUS (summary of product characteristics)  Schering Corporation.
5. Meltzer EO, Prenner MB, Nayak A, and the Desloratadine Study Group.  Efficacy and tolerability of once-daily 5mg desloratadine, and H1-receptor antagonist, in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis: assessment during the spring and fall allergy seasons. Clin Drug Invest.  2001; 21:25-32.

http://www.schering-plough.com

Nippon Paper Begins Test Farming Rice That Alleviates Hay Fever

Nippon Paper Group has started test farming a rice which could alleviate hay-fever symptoms. The rice was specially developed using the MAT vector system, a biotechnology for genetically extracting certain genomes, in this case an epitope in the rice. The epitope will act as a vaccine for hay-fever, so people who eat it will experience fewer hay-fever symptoms when the season arrives.

Nippon Paper will set up a large greenhouse of 500 square meters on the island of Komatsu. With proper light and temperature control, the greenhouse will yield 700 kilograms of rice annually.

The project was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

By Chris Lui, JCN Staff Writer

Copyright © 2006 JCN. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK.

JCN

The Allergens And Irritants Behind Itchy Skin

What could be the reason for skin that's inflamed, itchy, dotted with bumps or blisters?

According to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource, it could be contact dermatitis, caused by exposure to an allergen or simply something that irritates the skin.

Irritants can include soaps and detergents. Even plain water can irritate skin with frequent hand washing.

If the culprit is an allergy, the skin doesn't usually react to the first exposure. It can take many exposures for the skin to become sensitive. So, your favorite earrings could be causing the problem. The most common allergens are nickel, a metal commonly used in jewelry, buttons, hooks and zippers; and gold, a precious metal used in jewelry.

Both allergic and irritant contact dermatitis may appear on your hands. But allergic contact dermatitis -- along with other skin conditions such as psoriasis -- may be suspected if you develop a rash on your scalp, neck, earlobes, eyelids, lips or underarms.

Your primary doctor or a dermatologist often can base a diagnosis on your skin's appearance and your recent history of contact with allergens and irritants. If no allergen or irritant is apparent, and your symptoms become chronic, patch testing may be advised. In this procedure, small amounts of different allergens are applied, usually to your back to see how your skin reacts.

Identifying and avoiding an allergen or irritant is the primary treatment. Topical creams containing hydrocortisone or a wet dressing also may be recommended to relieve redness, itching and discomfort. Oral medications may be needed for severe reactions.

Don't expect overnight results. Even with strict allergen or irritant avoidance, contact dermatitis may take weeks or months to clear up.

Mayo Clinic

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