Allergy and Immunology

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

2007-05-07T11:03:00.001-07:00

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

2007-05-07T10:03:00.001-07:00

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?

2007-05-07T09:03:00.001-07:00

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

BMA House, Tavistock Sq
London WC1H 9JP
United Kingdom
http://www.bmj.com

AERIUS Now Approved For Use In Intermittent And Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

2007-05-07T08:03:00.001-07:00

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

2007-05-07T07:04:00.001-07:00

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

2007-05-07T06:52:00.001-07:00

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

200 First St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902
United States
http://www.mayo.edu/news/

Colorado Company To Sell Medical Food Products Based On Wake Forest Discovery

2007-04-16T18:07:00.001-07:00

A Colorado-based company is launching a line of "medical- food" products for the dietary management of asthma, eczema and other allergic conditions based on discoveries by Floyd H. "Ski" Chilton, Ph.D., of Wake Forest University Health Sciences (WFUHS).

Chilton's discoveries originally led to the founding of a company called Pilot Therapeutics. Now Pilot Therapeutics and WFUHS have licensed rights to the technology to Efficas Inc. of Boulder, Colo., to allow Efficas to produce and market the therapeutic products, said Michael A. Batalia, Ph.D., director of the Office of Technology Asset Management at Wake Forest.

The EfficasTM Care products are aimed at three health conditions: asthma, eczema and allergy. The Efficas Care line is now available for online purchase.

Research by Chilton, professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, focuses on the role that diet or medical foods play in human disease. As the founder of Pilot Therapeutics, he developed an over-the-counter medical food designed to reduce the production of leukotrienes, substances known to play a significant role in asthma and allergy attacks.

"Through our research and clinical trials, we have learned that allergic individuals have a unique dietary need for two fatty acids, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)," Chilton said. "Our studies also show that increased consumption of these nutrients can inhibit leukotriene production in patients."

The new products contain a patented formula of marine oil and botanical oil (borage seed oil) that contains the optimal amount and ratio of GLA and EPA.

"The new licensing arrangement between Efficas, WFUHS and Pilot Therapeutics will allow both companies to advance new technology," Batalia said. "Efficas is a well-funded health science and technology development company with the resources to market these new products, and Pilot Therapeutics now can move on to other product developments."

Besides founding Pilot Therapeutics, Chilton is also director of a WFUHS research program studying dietary supplements, one of five in the country. The program is supported by a $7.5 million grant from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Office of Dietary Supplements.

The Wake Forest program is a partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and is known as the Wake Forest and Brigham and Women's Program for Botanical Lipids. Botanicals are plant-based dietary ingredients. One of the four main research projects focuses on how borage, marine and echium oils reduce inflammatory messengers that cause diseases such as asthma and arthritis. (Echium oil is a natural vegetable oil rich in short-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are converted by humans to the fat equivalent of fish oil.)

Efficas, Inc. is a Boulder-based health science and technology development company "committed to developing science-based products for the nutritional management of the immune system both for humans and pets," according to a company news release.

Efficas has received funding from Life Science Partners BioVentures, Burrill and Company, Great Spirit Ventures, Unilever Technology Ventures, JP Morgan Bay Area Equity Fund and Prolog Ventures

"Immune-related conditions affect millions of people and we believe leukotriene-inhibiting technology holds great promise for improved quality of life for these individuals," said Mark Braman, chief executive officer of Efficas.

"Marketing first via the Web allows us to efficiently reach out to the millions of proactive consumers who are seeking information and alternative treatments online," Braman said. "We will follow with specialty and natural retail distribution, then mass retail distribution to make our products more easily accessible to the broader population."

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Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is an academic health system comprised of North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wake Forest University Health Sciences, which operates the university's School of Medicine and its other related enterprises including the Piedmont Triad Research Park. The Medical School is ranked 4th in the Southeastern United States in revenues from its licensed intellectual property.

Contact: Robert Conn
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center

1st International Study Group For New 'Movement' Discipline

2007-04-16T16:47:00.001-07:00

Movement ecology is on the move, with the world's first international research group on this topic having begun its work this fall at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute for Advanced Studies

Movement ecology is a developing academic pursuit, combining expertise in a variety of fields, including biology, ecology, botany, environmental science, physics, mathematics, virology and others.

It has been largely developed by a Hebrew University of Jerusalem researcher, Prof. Ran Nathan, who heads the Movement Ecology Laboratory in the Department of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology at the university's Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences.. It involves the study of how plant and animal matter travels from one place to another, sometimes for great distances and in highly surprising ways.

The research group now at work at the Hebrew University's Institute for Advanced Studies was convened at the initiative and under the leadership of Prof. Nathan and includes participants from the University of California at Berkeley, the University of California at Davis, Princeton University, Stony Brook University and Rutgers University, all from the U.S.; the Spanish Research Council; and from the Hebrew University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.

Prof. Nathan emphasizes that organism movement research is central to the understanding of how ecological systems work and has important implications for human life. A comprehensive understanding of movement as a process will help to conserve biodiversity, adapt to changes produced by global warming, and cope with environmental threats such as infectious diseases, invasive alien species, agricultural pests and the spread of allergens.

The field of movement ecology and Prof. Nathan were given a large boost of recognition in a recent special issue of Science magazine on migration and dispersal. The issue included an article by Prof. Ran Nathan on his specialty of long-distance dispersal of plants.

In addition, the same issue contained a news article which largely focused on the work of Nathan and his students, as well as others in the U.S., Britain and Australia, focusing on dispersal of both plants and animals.

The article noted that researchers have sought, for centuries, "to understand when, why and how various species crawl, swim, fly, float or hoof it to new locales. That work has led to maps of migration routes and details about dispersals."

"But," the article quoted Prof. Nathan as saying, "few biologists have tried to fit those data into a big picture of movement in general." Now, said the article, through the new discipline called movement ecology, Nathan and others "are beginning to derive testable hypotheses about the mobile behaviors of animals, microbes and even the seeds of plants. Their goal is to join empirical work to theories and to build models that fill in gaps in our understanding of movement -- be it over millimeters or continents or by groups of individuals - in the natural world."

Last year, Nathan was chosen as the winner of the Hebrew University President's Prize for the Outstanding Young Researcher for his pioneering work on seed dispersal. In May this year he was awarded the prestigious Wilhelm Bessel Research Award from the Humboldt Foundation of Germany.

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Contact: Jerry Barach
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings Completes All Clinical Trials Of Desloratadine For Hay Fever

2007-04-16T16:07:00.001-07:00

China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CHBP), a leading Chinese pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative drugs in China, today announced the completion of all required clinical trials for Desloratadine tablets for seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. The trials were conducted in six hospitals throughout China. The trial results have been sent to the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) for manufacturing and marketing approval. The Company anticipates an approval response from the SFDA in the second half of 2007.

Desloratadine is indicated for the relief of the nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is also indicated for the symptomatic relief of pruritus and the reduction in the number of hives, and size of hives, in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria. In China, 30% of the population has suffered from an allergy at least once. The $1.5 billion allergy drug market in China continues to grow at a rate of 15% per year.

CHBP President and Chief Operating Officer Lufan An said, "We are pleased to have completed all the required clinical trials for Desloratadine for the SFDA's review. We hope to have the SFDA's approval to manufacture and market this drug by the end of 2007. If we are granted production approval, CHBP will be one of only four pharmaceutical companies producing Desloratadine tablets in China through 2010. This is the latest accomplishment of our R&D team which has submitted 15 drug applications to the SFDA during this calendar year."

In a separate release, CHBP also announced today that it is one of only three companies that received authorization from the SFDA to initiate clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Sofalcone for the treatment of digestive ulcers. CHBP also stated that the trials will be conducted in six hospitals throughout China and are expected to be completed within one year.

About China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings

China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc (CHBP) is a research driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of small and large molecule pharmaceutical products, including medicines, vaccines, and active pharmaceutical ingredients for various categories of diseases. CHBP's product portfolio includes 260 drugs already approved for manufacturing and marketing by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). CHBP also has submitted 15 drug applications to the SFDA for its review during the calendar year of 2006. CHBP is a U.S.-listed public company with operating subsidiaries and senior management based in China. For further information, please visit our website at http://www.cbioinc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by, among other things, the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, our statements regarding the potential growth of the markets are examples of such forward- looking statements. The forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, general economic conditions and regulatory developments, not within our control. The factors discussed herein and expressed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. The forward looking statements are made only as of the date of this filing, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.
http://www.cbioinc.com

Diet May Help Prevent Allergies And Asthma

2007-04-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

A recent publication from the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) (1) provides new insights into the role that diet may play in the development of allergies, especially in children. The work suggests that the significant changes in European diets over the past 20-40 years may have contributed to the increased incidence of allergic diseases in both children and adults seen over this period. Members of the nutrition work package responsible for the report consider that its findings are just the beginning of GA2LEN's potential role in greater understanding of this complex area.

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically over the past few decades, especially in children. One child in three is allergic today and one in two people in Europe are likely to be suffering from at least one allergy by 2015. It is generally agreed that a combination of heredity and environmental factors is responsible for the development of the allergy and asthma. However, the evolution of these diseases has been far too rapid for genetics to be the sole explanation. Among the wide range of environmental factors under discussion, changes in the European diet in the last 20-40 years are considered to be a possible explanation. Indeed, the way in which children are fed early in life may have a direct effect on the subsequent development of asthma and allergies, according to a recent publication from the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN). (1)

In a paper entitled "Nutrition and allergic disease", published this year in Clinical and Experimental Allergy Reviews, 12 European experts working together in the GA2LEN nutrition work package present the evidence and define fertile topics for future research. (2) The work package team is led by Professor Philip C Calder, Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton. (3)

Key findings: breastfeeding, early diet and probiotics

The three main areas producing key findings are breastfeeding, intake of certain nutrients, and probiotics. (4)

Exclusive breastfeeding, that is providing the infant with no other liquid or food other than breast milk, is believed to be effective in reducing subsequent development of allergies. It appears that exclusive breastfeeding for four months helps protect the child from cow's milk protein allergy until 18 months, reduces the likelihood of dermatitis (skin allergy) until three years, and reduces the risk of recurrent wheeze (or asthma) until six years' of age. However, the longer term effects of breast feeding on allergic outcomes are not known and require investigation.

The protective effect of four months of exclusive breastfeeding is important for all children but it is especially valuable for those at high risk of developing allergies. Children are at high risk of developing allergies if one or both parents are affected by allergic disease. If it is not possible for the high-risk child to be breastfed, hypoallergenic formula combined with avoidance of solid foods for 4-6 months offers an alternative source of protection. The studies show that hypoallergenic formula helps prevent cows' milk protein allergy developing before the age of five years and offers protection against atopic dermatitis (eczema or other skin allergy) until the age of four years.

A second major area of importance appears to be the components of the diet. For example, antioxidants in the diet, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium coming mainly from fruit and vegetables, may have a protective effect. Furthermore, different fats found in milk, butter, vegetable oils and fish may have different effects on development of allergies and asthma. Although it is difficult to find clear-cut evidence, it appears that reducing sodium intake, increasing magnesium intake, eating apples and other fruit and vegetables, and avoiding margarine might help some asthmatics. However much of the research conducted to date has not been systematic in its approach and this makes the drawing of hard conclusions very difficult.

The role of probiotics and prebiotics in the diet is promising. Living organisms such as probiotics appear to protect against the development of allergies by producing changes in the bacteria in the gut that stimulate the immune system. A double blind, placebo-controlled study has recently shown that probiotics can help reduce the risk of atopic disease. This is an important area for future research.

Meeting the challenge

The review highlighted several areas in nutrition and diet that appear to be fruitful for future research in allergic disease, and therefore for future disease control. In particular, it has highlighted gaps in relation to specific effects of maternal and infant nutrition on allergy and asthma in later life. Patients, health professionals and policy makers alike would benefit from such research and from more large-scale studies on diet and allergy. Key focuses should be identification of dietary patterns or factors likely to be involved in altering risk of development of allergies and asthma, and developing the evidence base about whether supplementation with specific fats or probiotics could contribute both to the protection and treatment of allergic diseases. The studies required will need to be large and to be well planned, designed and executed. They are likely to require cross-country collaboration.

###

Notes:

1. GA2LEN - the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network is a "Network of Excellence" funded by the European Union 6th Research Framework Programme. It consists of 26 research centres spread throughout Europe, as well as the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA).

2. The 72-page peer-reviewed paper entitled "Nutrition and allergic disease" is published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy Reviews 6: 117-188, 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

3. The article represents the work of Workpackage 2.1 of GA2LEN. Correspondence should be addressed to the workpackage leader, P. C. Calder, BSc, PhD, DPhil, Professor of Nutritional Immunology, Institute of Nutrition, University of Southampton, UK.

4. The full list of indicators comprises: Sodium and potassium, magnesium, lipids including fatty acids in milk, butter, vegetable oils and fish, antioxidants, including fruit and vegetable intake, flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, b-Carotene, Vitamin A, selenium, zinc and copper, and probiotics and prebiotics.

Contacts:

P.C. Calder
Institute of Human Nutrition
School of Medicine
University of Southampton
Bassett Crescent East
Southampton SO16 7PX
UK.

GA2LEN Dissemination
Avenue Brugmann 151
B-1190 Brussels
Noelie Auvergne

For further information please visit:
GA2LEN And
University of Southampton

Cincinnnati Scientists Pursue New Target For Asthma Treatment

2007-04-16T14:07:00.001-07:00

Cincinnati scientists have found further evidence that certain defensive white cells in the body cause or play a major role in the symptoms experienced by asthma patients.

Their findings, scientists say, could lead to the identification of a new treatment "target" to help the estimated 17 million asthma sufferers in the United States.

The scientists, at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Academic Health Center and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, report their results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Working with genetically altered mice, the Cincinnati researchers studied a group of cells called eosinophils. Originally evolved to defend the body against parasite infection, a problem no longer common in the Western world, eosinophils are known to accumulate during allergic responses--and especially in mucous in the lungs of asthma patients.

"Researchers have been looking at the role of eosinophils in asthma for decades," says research associate and first author Patricia Fulkerson, PhD. "Since people in the Western world don't have parasites in their guts to the extent they used to, the question is what eosinophils do now?"

"Previous studies linking eosinophils to asthma were done in single models," Fulkerson explains. "We increased the power of our study by looking at multiple models, and by doing that we show a strong role for eosinophils in mucous production in asthma."

The researchers, led by Professor Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, of UC College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, also showed that eosinophils contribute to the recruitment of the immunity-regulating proteins known as cytokines, a process that allows mucous to accumulate in the lung.

"Previously most scientists looked at one model at a time--eliminating as many eosinophils as possible, inducing each model with asthma, and then watching what happens in an allergic response," Fulkerson explains. "Using just one model, however, it's difficult to determine the role of eosinophils versus that model's own genetic strategy."

So instead of a single model, Rothenberg, Fulkerson and their colleagues used three different ones. They studied one mouse model in which eosinophils don't develop from bone marrow, as they should, and two models in which eosinophils remain in the blood stream instead of rallying into the lung tissue to protect against asthma.

They then looked at the characteristics that all three models had in common so they could attribute any alteration in their appearance (or phenotype) to eosinophils, and not to that particular model's genetics.

In the absence of eosinophils, the researchers report, they found that allergen-induced mucous production dropped in all models, suggesting that "eosinophils play a big role in mucous production in response to an allergen challenge."

The researchers also report that eosinophils alter the lungs' "micro environment" by stimulating production of the signaling cytokines. Involved in triggering the body's immune defense mechanism to take action against infection, cytokines are responsible for almost all the characteristics of asthma.

"If cytokines are produced in the lungs, you'll end up with asthma," says Fulkerson. "But we found in eosinophil-free models that the cytokines that together produce almost all the visible symptoms of asthma--known as IL (interleukin) 4 and IL 13--were markedly reduced.

Having shown that eosinophils play an important part in mucous production and airway obstruction in asthma, the researchers' next goal was to determine how they actually do that.

Examination of mouse lung tissue revealed increased genetic activity associated with the characteristics of asthma: mucous, airway obstruction and hyperactivity.

"We took two of these models and looked at changes in gene expression in the lung caused by eosinophils," says Fulkerson. "We only picked up the genes that were in common in both models, so we can say the changes were eosinophil dependent versus model dependent.

"So now we have this list of genes that are eosinophil dependent in an experimental animal model and we're identifying new pathways that have never been attributed to eosinophils before," Fulkerson adds. "Now we and other researchers will pursue this to learn exactly what eosinophils are doing to those pathways and to see how we can block their contributions to asthma.

Some of these genetic pathways were known to be important in asthma, says Fulkerson, but no one had previously attributed them to eosinophils.

"That's the exciting part," she says. "If we can prevent eosinophils from being activated, then perhaps we can develop new targets for treatment. The goal is to find new approaches to asthma, because although we can treat asthma symptoms fairly well, we're not so good at dealing with the long-term consequences.

"And this doesn't only involve asthma. There are a lot of other diseases, especially digestive diseases, in which we see high levels of eosinophils that don't belong there," Fulkerson says.

###

Also contributing to the research were Christine Fischetti, Melissa McBride, Lynn Hassman and Simon Hogan, all of Cincinnati Children's.

Contact: David Bracey
University of Cincinnati

Pilot Study Successful In Taming Allergic Reactions To Food

2007-04-16T12:42:00.001-07:00

Children who were allergic to eggs were able to essentially overcome their allergy by gradually consuming increased quantities of eggs over time, researchers at Duke University Medical Center and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences have found in a small pilot study.

"Participants who took a daily dose of egg product over the two-year study period were able to build up their bodies' resistance to the point where most of them could eat two scrambled eggs without a reaction," said A. Wesley Burks, M.D., chief of Duke's Division of Allergy and Immunology and a senior member of the research team. "Egg allergies cause a significant decrease in quality of life for many people, so this study is exciting in that it brings us a step closer to being able to offer a meaningful therapy for these people."

Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies among children in the United States, Burks said. Just how many children are allergic to eggs is unclear, but the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases estimates that 6 percent to 8 percent of children have some type of food allergy. Most children outgrow egg allergy by age 5, but some people remain allergic for a lifetime.

The findings are reported in an advance online edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and will appear in the journal's January 2007 print edition.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the two universities.

The study is the first in a series of studies on food allergy "desensitization" that are under way at Duke and the University of Arkansas. The goal, Burks said, is to offer food allergy sufferers protection from accidental ingestion of items that provoke reactions and, eventually, to induce complete or near-complete tolerance to those items.

Burks and his colleagues modeled the study on a commonly used method for treating seasonal allergy sufferers to alleviate symptoms. In this approach, called immunotherapy, physicians give patients shots containing small amounts of the troublesome allergen in an effort to build their tolerance to it. The therapy works on a cellular level to alter specific immune system cells, called lymphocytes, that play a part in orchestrating allergic reactions and to increase the immune system's production of antibodies that attack and neutralize allergens, Burks said.

The seven subjects in the study, who ranged from 1 to 7 years of age, had a history of allergic reactions, including hives, wheezing and vomiting, when they consumed eggs or egg products. For safety's sake, none of the children enrolled had previously experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction, Burks said. As an extra precaution, the subjects received a supply of epinephrine, which is commonly used to treat breathing problems that can occur with food allergy.

Instead of receiving shots, as seasonal allergy sufferers do, the subjects were given small doses of powdered egg orally, mixed in food. "We started the subjects with a very small concentration of egg product -- the equivalent of less than one-thousandth of an egg -- and then we increased the dose every 30 minutes for eight hours in order to determine the highest dose that each subject could tolerate," Burks said.

The subjects consumed the first doses in the study clinic. The researchers then gave the children's parents or caregivers a supply of egg product, allocated into the tolerated doses, which the subjects consumed daily at home, mixed with other foods.

The children returned to the clinic every two weeks. At each visit, the researchers increased the subjects' dosages until they reached the equivalent of one-tenth of an egg, Burks said. The children then continued to take this "maintenance dose" daily for the duration of the study.

Over time, the children showed both an increase in tolerance to eggs and a decrease in the severity of their allergic reactions, Burks said. At the end of the study period, most of the children could tolerate two scrambled eggs with no adverse reactions.

The researchers now are conducting two follow-up food allergy desensitization studies, Burks said. In one study, subjects receive higher doses of egg to see if this will further reduce their sensitivity or even neutralize the allergy altogether.

The second study focuses on children who are allergic to peanuts, to see if the desensitization approach can build their tolerance and decrease the severity of their reactions. Peanut allergy, which can be life-threatening, affects approximately 1 percent of children under age 5, and its incidence has been on the rise over the past 15 years, according to Burks. Studies have shown that about 20 percent of children with egg or milk allergy will go on to develop a peanut allergy.

Other members of the research team were Ariana Buchanan, Todd Green, Pamela Steele, Laurent Pons and Laurie Lee of Duke and Amy Scurlock, Lynn Christie, Karen Althage and Rick Helm of the University of Arkansas.

Contact: Lauren Shaftel
Duke University Medical Center

Christmas Allergies Can Make The Holidays Anything But Fun

2007-04-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

As Christmas draws closer, winter allergies are once again on the rise. According to a recent survey, (3 out of 4) adults experience an increase of allergy attacks including headaches, eye irritation and sinus congestion from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

??The survey was conducted by SiCap Industries, makers of the world's first hot pepper nasal spray known as "Sinus Buster". With more than 500,000 regular customers, Sinus Buster has become a strong leader in the natural health industry.

??"We sent questionnaires to several thousand customers randomly. About 1200 surveys were returned. Each survey concentrated specifically on allergies during the holiday season. We couldn't believe how many of our customers had Christmas allergies," says Wayne Perry, president of SiCap Industries.

??Results showed (75%) of surveyed respondents complained of increased allergy symptoms during the holiday season.

??There are many causes for so-called "Christmas Allergies" including molds, artificial scents, and foods. While many people blame live Christmas trees for symptoms, allergies to evergreens are usually caused by molds growing naturally on trees. Artificial trees aren't much better if they are stored in areas where mold can grow throughout the year. The same holds true for ornaments and other decorations that are packed away yearly.

??To avoid mold contamination, store decorations in dry temperature controlled areas, and seal the cartons tightly. When unpacking, open cartons outside or in the garage, and allow them to air out for 24 hours before bringing them into the living area.

??Another trigger can be scented candles and other artificially scented decorations. Many people are also allergic to pine scented aerosol sprays used to add aroma to artificial trees.

??Increased alcohol consumption during the holidays is another cause. Alcohol is a major trigger for a variety of headaches and sinus problems. The same goes with certain foods. Moderation is the key as well as knowing which foods to avoid.

??The survey also drew feedback concerning SiCap's line of Sinus Buster Capsaicin nasal sprays. An astounding (96%) of respondents reported that Sinus Buster relieved their seasonal allergies better than any other product they had previously tried.

??"It was a pretty close race between the classic formula and our allergy formula, but the allergy formula is designed to prevent symptoms in addition to relieving them," Perry explains.

??The Sinus Buster Allergy formula uses a combination of Capsaicin and Nettle extract to relieve allergy symptoms naturally. A couple squirts instantly attacks the worst symptoms including headaches. According to the manufacturer, Sinus Buster lets you enjoy all the tastes and smells of Christmas without the worry of allergy attacks, and it makes a great stocking stuffer.

??http://www.sinusbuster.com

New Journal Focuses On Lifestyle Health

2007-04-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

With more and more Americans battling maladies such as allergies, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and weight management issues, it's clear that everything we do - from what we eat to how much exercise and sleep we get - directly impacts our health. The need for the latest research and information in these fields is apparent.

As a result of this dynamic and growing field, SAGE is launching its newest publication, the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (AJLM). The bi-monthly journal, which launches its first issue in January, will feature peer-reviewed papers exploring lifestyle medicine's many disciplines, and is geared at helping primary care providers guide their patients to lead healthier lives.

"While there are many factors that contribute to health problems, one common denominator is that they are all associated with a person's daily habits and actions," commented James M. Rippe, MD, Editor-In-Chief of AJLM. "With more research in this field than ever before, healthcare providers are not only educating their patients about disease management, but should also be advising them on how to maintain their health through proper lifestyle choices. That's what AJLM is all about."

"I expect the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine to become an authoritative voice in the field for caregivers because it's a unique publication," said Ron Epstein, SAGE Director, Controlled Circulation Publications. "It's not only edited by the leader in the lifestyle medicine field, renowned cardiologist Dr. Rippe; it also boasts an outstanding editorial board with extensive expertise in the disciplines covered by the Journal. The AJLM is the latest in SAGE's growing number of journals in the fields of science, technology, medicine and social sciences."

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To find out more about the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, visit the journal's website at http://ajlm.sagepub.com/.

About SAGE
SAGE Publications is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology and medicine. A privately owned corporation, SAGE has principal offices in Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, and Singapore.

http://www.sagepublications.com/

Contact: Ron Epstein
SAGE Publications

Infants Wheeze Less In Homes With Multiple Dogs

2007-04-16T11:05:00.001-07:00

Living in a home with multiple dogs may help reduce an infant's risk for developing wheezing in the first year of life, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC).

Cincinnati researchers, led by David Bernstein, MD, have found that infants living in homes with high levels of endotoxins (bacterial contaminants) and multiple dogs were more than two times less likely to wheeze than other infants.

They found that wheezing was not associated independently with either dog or cat ownership or high levels of indoor endotoxins; however, high endotoxin exposures in homes that also had multiple dogs resulted in less wheezing.

"Our research presents evidence that pet ownership offers a protective effect against development of lower respiratory symptoms in young children," adds Bernstein.

The UC-led team's findings conflict with earlier studies suggesting exposure to high endotoxin levels or pet ownership can protect against an increased risk for future allergic diseases, the UC team reports in the December edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

"Exposure to high endotoxin levels in the home may not be an important determinant of aeroallergen sensitization during infancy," explains Bernstein, professor of immunology and senior author for the study. "We do not yet understand how and why exposure to high levels of bacterial endotoxin and multiple dogs in the home exert a protective effect in these high-risk infants from wheezing early in life."

Endotoxins are natural compounds secreted from pathogens (disease-causing agents) like bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines and feces. Scientists believe that endotoxins can stimulate our immune systems in many different ways.

"Our bodies are programmed to produce allergic responses early in life," Bernstein explains, "but there are environmental factors like bacterial endotoxins that may modify the immune system and block development of allergies early in life."

The UC-led team analyzed the effects of pet ownership (cats and dogs) and endotoxin exposure in 520 infants enrolled in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS) who were identified as being at greater risk for developing allergies because at least one parent had known allergies.

The CCAAPS, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, is a five-year study examining the effects of environmental particulates on childhood respiratory health and allergy development.

Researchers collected dust samples from the infants' homes to measure endotoxin levels. They also determined the number of siblings and gathered information about the home, including the presence of mold and second-hand smoke. Environmental and food allergy development was monitored through annual skin prick tests.

Previous studies have addressed the role of pet ownership in childhood allergy development; however, findings have been inconsistent, according to Bernstein. Until now, it was unclear whether animal ownership, endotoxin exposure or a combination of the two resulted in wheezing. Bernstein says further research is needed to determine if these early protective effects have long-term benefits.

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Collaborators in this study include Manuel Villareal, MD, of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and UC colleagues Paloma Campo, MD, Hapinder Kalra, MD, Linda Levin, PhD, Tiina Reponen, PhD, Rolanda Olds, Zana Lummus, PhD, Seung-Hyun Cho, PhD, Gurjit Hershey, MD, PhD, James Lockey, MD, Sherry Stanforth and Grace LeMasters, PhD, principal investigator of the CCAAPS.

Contact: Amanda Harper
University of Cincinnati

Alimera Sciences Receives FDA Approval To Market Alaway(TM) OTC For Up To 12 Hours Of Eye Itch Relief

2007-04-16T10:25:00.001-07:00

Alimera Sciences Inc., an ophthalmic pharmaceutical company founded just three years ago, today announced that the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its ophthalmic solution Rx-to-OTC-switch new drug application (NDA) for Alaway(TM) (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025%). Alaway(TM), a multiple action eye anti-allergic, is Alimera's first NDA submission and the first to win approval. Indicated for the temporary relief of itchy eyes, Alaway(TM) will be marketed over-the- counter with the prescription strength active ingredient found in a prescription allergy eye drop.

An estimated 40 million people cope with itchy eyes associated with pollen, ragweed, grass, animal hair and dander -- particularly during the spring and fall months. Unlike over-the-counter anti-itch eye drop products currently available, just one dose of Alaway(TM) offers eye itch relief within minutes and lasts up to 12 hours. Other over-the-counter products currently available offer no more than four hours of relief and require four doses per day. Alaway(TM), with its unique property of being both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer addresses itchy eyes, the number one complaint among eye allergy sufferers.

"Developing Alaway(TM), submitting the application and achieving FDA approval for a three-year-old company is, indeed, an accomplishment of which Alimera is tremendously proud," said Dan Myers, president and chief executive officer of Alimera Sciences. "The FDA's approval of Alaway(TM) marks a milestone in Alimera's overall strategy to consistently deliver innovative solutions to patient needs.

Alimera initially filed the NDA for Alaway(TM) in February of this year after completing a successful clinical study that showed it to be bioequivalent to Novartis' Zaditor(R) (ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025%). Alaway(TM), in a 10mL bottle, is expected to be available to consumers in time to provide prescription strength relief for the spring 2007 allergy season.

About Alimera Sciences Inc.

Alimera Sciences Inc., a venture backed company, specializes in the development and commercialization of over-the-counter and prescription ophthalmology pharmaceuticals. Founded by an executive team with extensive development and revenue growth expertise, Alimera Sciences' products address both the anterior (front) and posterior (back) segments of the eye. In August 2004, Alimera Sciences unveiled Soothe(R), the market's first multi-dose, emollient-based artificial tear product, and in October 2005 initiated a Phase III clinical trial to study diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated using Medidur(TM) with fluocinolone acetonide, the company's pharmacologic treatment for DME.

Alimera Sciences Inc.
http://www.alimerasciences.com

City Kids With Asthma Lose Out On Preventive Treatment

2007-04-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

A new study by specialists at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and elsewhere suggests that only one in five inner-city children with chronic asthma gets enough medicine to control dangerous flare-ups of the disease.

The findings, reported in December's Pediatrics, are disturbing, the researchers say, because preventive therapy failure leads to over-reliance on fast-acting 'rescue' drugs after an asthma attack strikes and to more complications and increased risk of death.

The scientists interviewed parents of 180 Baltimore city children 2 to 9 years of age diagnosed with persistent asthma and studied pharmacy records. Overall, only 20 percent of the 180 got the recommended amount of daily controller medication, which is six or more refills in a 12-month period. Sixty percent of children got too little therapy to fully prevent flare-ups and 20 percent either got no medication at all or relied solely on quick-relief rescue drugs, which stop an asthma attack from progressing.

Current guidelines call for any child asthmatic with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath two or more times a week or night-time symptoms two or more times a month to use inhaled corticosteroids as controller drugs to curb inflammation and prevent acute attacks.

"It's clear that kids who need preventive drugs aren't getting them," says lead author Arlene Butz, Sc.D., R.N., asthma specialist at the Children's Center. Previous research indicates that inner-city children are at special risk because their living conditions include other asthma triggers, such as exposure to secondhand smoke and mouse and cockroach allergens.

The survey also showed that children cared for by asthma specialists in or out of the hospital were more likely to follow a proper drug regimen than those who were not in these groups.

Butz and colleagues said training primary care pediatricians to check pharmacy records will help them monitor their patients' adherence to the prescribed drug regimen.

Asthma is the country's leading pediatric chronic illness, affecting 6.2 million children under the age of 18.

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Other Hopkins researchers in the study: Kim Mudd, M.S.N., of the Children's Center; and Michele Donithan, M.H.S., of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Other institutions participating in the study: University of Maryland. The study was funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research.

Contact: Katerina Pesheva
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

Itch And Motivation To Scratch

2007-04-16T09:16:00.001-07:00

Intense itching and the urge to scratch are symptoms of many chronic skin ailments. A new study conducted by Oxford University researchers has found that different reactions in the brain to two common allergy triggers -- allergens (pollen and dust) and histamine (allergy cells within the body caused by foods, drugs or infection) -- may shed some light on the itch-scratch cycle.

The Study

The study is entitled Itch and Motivation to Scratch: An Investigation of the Central and Peripheral Correlates of Allergen- and Histamine-Induced Itch in Humans. The research team was comprised of Siri G. Leknes, Susanna Bantick, Richard G. Wise and Irene Tracey, all of the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, UK and Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB), Clinical Neurology, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; and Carolyn M. Willis and John D. Wilkinson, both of the Department of Dermatology, Amersham Hospital, Amersham, UK.

The results of the study are published in the online edition of the Journal of Neurophysiology (http://jn.physiology.org/). The journal is one of the 14 scientific publications published by the American Physiological Society (APS) (http://www.the-aps.org/) every month.

Methodology Overview Laser Doppler Study

Twenty eight female volunteers were recruited for the study, of which 14 tested positive (atopic cohort) for type I allergens (grass pollen and/or house dust mite) and 14 did not (non-atopic cohort). Over three consecutive days the atopic cohort was challenged with either their specific allergen or histamine, along with the saline control group, by applying a skin prick to the forearm. Non-atopic subjects were challenged with histamine and saline on two consecutive days.

The subjects rated itch intensity continuously on a scale of 0 (no itch) to 10 (worst itch imaginable). Itch related skin blood flow changes for both groups were measured by laser Doppler. Data points from the laser Doppler were summated and mean values and standard deviations were calculated for each cohort.

fMRI Imaging Study

Sixteen males and females comprised a second group of atopic and non-atopic individuals. As part of the study participants laid down in an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scanner. A standard whole-brain gradient echno-planar imaging sequence was used to obtain the functional scans. Sixty seconds after participants reclined they received a skin challenge to the toe area.

The volunteers were presented with a screen showing a simplified itch rating scale of 0 (no itch) to 5 (worst itch imaginable). Subjects pressed a button to rate the itch they felt when the scale was presented. Following the test each subject's mean rated itch intensity was computed and the differences between types of itch were explored using a t-test. Correlations between mean itch ratings in the two groups were investigated using SPSS.

Results

After examining the data obtained at the different itch sites, the different itch scales, and the gender differences between the study populations, the researchers determined that extensive commonalities existed between allergen- and histamine-induced itch. Among them was the extensive involvement of the brain's motivation circuitry in response to both types of itches.

Researchers also observed differences, including:

* allergen-induced itch intensity ratings were higher compared to histamine;

* perception of itch and changes in blood flow were significantly greater when allergen induced;

* itch intensity perception and the changes in blood flow occurred significantly later in response to allergen, and while the sensations took longer to appear, they were perceived to exist for significantly longer periods;

* itch elicited by allergens activated different parts of the brain, specifically the supplementary motor and posterior parietal areas; and

* the differences found in the orbifrontal regions of the brain imply a compulsion to so something (i.e., scratch) that is very strong in the allergen group. This is presumably due to the heightened intensity of the itch. There are similarities to the activity in this area of the brain and other disorders that display compulsive behavior. This might help to explain why eczema sufferers scratch to the point of harm because they are compelled to do so and cannot help themselves.

Conclusions

While there are extensive commonalties between allergen- and histamine-induced itch, perceptions about the intensity and the parts of the brain that are activated by allergens differ when compared to histamine. As a result, mothers who admonish their children to stop itching may now be rightly told "I can't." For mold and grass-related itches, it appears that science is on their side.

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Contact: Donna Krupa
American Physiological Society

Why Altitute Can Make You Sick - What You Can Do About It

2007-04-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

Every breath you take isn't the same. Board a plane in New York and step off hours later in Aspen, or Chamonix or Lhasa, and, chances are, the plane food isn't what's turning your stomach. It's the change in altitude.

Altitude sickness can be the Achilles' heel of adventure travelers because there is no way to prepare for it before you go and no quick remedy to overcome it once you've arrived. It can choose its victims with amazing unpredictability, sometimes leaving the fittest gasping for breath while allowing the weakest and flabbiest to breathe freely. Age, gender and ethnicity also seem to make no difference as to who is affected.

"The only surefire way to minimize the effects of altitude change is to acclimatize," says Dr. Ronald G. Crystal, chair of genetic medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, and chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. An experienced mountaineer and ice climber, Dr. Crystal has personally experienced the effects of altitude sickness. "Travel to a high-altitude location slowly, or give yourself a few days to adjust, once there. But nowadays this doesn't always happen. People have limited time. They fly into 8,000 feet and take a chairlift the next day to 10,000."

Interestingly, the cause of altitude sickness isn't the percentage of oxygen in the air, which remains at about 21 percent worldwide. The difference is how closely oxygen molecules are squeezed together by barometric pressure. Descend toward sea level and barometric pressure increases; ascend upward and the reverse happens. This is why a breath in Seattle feels more satisfying than one in, say, Machu Picchu.

"Stay below 15,000 feet and altitude sickness can be troublesome, but generally not life-threatening," says Dr. Crystal. People may experience nausea, headache, fatigue and shortness of breath, but within a few days, their bodies usually acclimatize and symptoms subside. Keeping hydrated and staying away from alcohol and barbiturates, such as sleeping pills and tranquilizers, will help speed the process toward acclimatization.

However, above 15,000 feet, the consequences of altitude sickness are more serious and can even be fatal. The primary danger is that the thin air will allow fluid to seep from capillaries and result in either High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (H.A.P.E.) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (H.A.C.E.). With H.A.P.E., fluid leaks into the sacs of the lungs, making breathing difficult. A person can literally suffocate from within. With H.A.C.E., fluid leaks into the brain; the brain swells and is pushed against the skull.

Both conditions are extremely serious, and anyone with symptoms needs to get down to a lower altitude immediately. Those with H.A.P.E. have difficulty breathing; often cough up blood; and can make a crackling sound when they breathe. Those with H.A.C.E. are likely to lose coordination; have vision problems; or become irrational.

There are medicines that can help with both mild and severe altitude sickness, but the only certain remedy is to move to a lower altitude. For medication, Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help relieve the symptoms of mild altitude sickness. The drug encourages the kidneys to excrete bicarbonate, the base of carbon dioxide, which makes the blood more acidic and signals the lungs to breathe more frequently. Acetazolamide has some side effects, though: mainly, frequent urination; tingling in fingers and toes; and giving an unpleasant taste to carbonated beverages.

For more severe altitude sickness, physicians recommend Dexamethasone and Nifedipine. Dexamethasone is used to treat H.A.C.E. by reducing brain swelling and bringing down pressure within the skull. The other drug, Nifedipine, can lower pressure in the pulmonary artery and is therefore used to treat H.A.P.E. Reducing pressure in the pulmonary artery reduces the risk that fluid will seep out through capillaries and flood the lungs.

"One last thing," says Dr. Crystal, whose mood has now turned from scientific to humorous. "In the movie 'Vertical Limit' where the climber with H.A.P.E. takes a syringe of medication and plunges it into his heart. You don't want to do that."

Science Briefs is an electronic newsletter published by the Office of Public Affairs that focuses on innovative medical research and patient care at Weill Cornell Medical College.
http://www.med.cornell.edu/science

Researchers Barcode DNA Of Vast Fungi Collection

2007-04-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

In the storerooms of a Venice, Italy, museum, a University of California, Berkeley, scholar and Italian experts are at work on a rare collection, but the objects aren't Renaissance paintings or the art of ancient glassblowers. Instead, the team is collecting samples from the largest and best preserved collection of fungi in Italy to create an unprecedented DNA database.

These 28,000 samples of fungi that represent 6,000 species - many of which are quite rare - are housed at the Venice Museum of Natural History, a partner with UC Berkeley for this ambitious project. The collection also is one of the largest in Europe.

The project was publicly announced in Italy at the prestigious Venetian Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts.

"We are building up a huge molecular database that will be available to the entire scientific community," said Matteo Garbelotto, UC Berkeley adjunct associate professor of ecosystem sciences and principal investigator of the project. "In addition to aiding research on the productivity of forests and agricultural ecosystems, this database will greatly aid the diagnosis of plant diseases."

Fungi are a kingdom of organisms that include yeasts, mushrooms and mold. They are essential to most terrestrial ecosystems, channeling nutrients in the soil and making them available for the growth of plants, including trees and agricultural crops. "Without fungi, there would be no forests," Garbelotto pointed out.

A large number of fungi are also plant pathogens and cause serious diseases of crops and trees, especially when transported to new areas of the world through the global trade of goods and movement of people. In addition, some species of fungi can lead to human illness, including pneumonia, skin infections, allergies and asthma.

Garbelotto is perhaps best known for his work in the identification of Phytophthora ramorum, the fungus-like plant pathogen that made its way from Europe to the United States. The pathogen is responsible for sudden oak death, the disease that has caused widespread dieback of tanoaks and coast live oaks in California and southwest Oregon.

"In the case of exotic plant diseases, DNA information may be used, as it is in criminal forensics, to identify possible culprits and to understand how they were introduced," said Garbelotto. "This provides governments with pivotal information needed to avoid repeated introductions of pathogens."

Garbelotto is working with Italian mycologist Giovanni Robich and Luca Mizzan, curator of Marine Biology at the Venice Museum of Natural History, to sort through the samples in the museum, which are being sent to Garbelotto's lab at UC Berkeley for DNA sequencing and analysis.

The Venice Natural History Museum is part of the Musei Civici Veneziani, a network of 11 museums in Venice. It is housed in the Fontego dei Turchi, a Byzantine-style palace on the Grand Canal that dates back to the 12th century. Before it was established as a museum in 1923, it had served as a trading depot for Turkish merchants.

"Often museums are seen as places where people just go and see things," said Garbelotto, who is doing this work during a sabbatical leave from UC Berkeley. "This shows that museums are actually involved in cutting-edge research. Providing a database of this scope is pretty novel."

Museum curator Mizzan said the museum's vast collection of fungi got a kick start when the Venice Society of Mycology formed in the late 1980s to monitor the mycological flora in the Lagoon of Venice and surrounding areas. The collected samples represented over 1,200 species of fungi and formed the foundation of the museum's present collection.

Garbelotto noted that the relatively young age of the samples has been critical to obtaining good quality tissue for DNA analysis. The samples come from throughout Europe, with a significant number representing species found elsewhere in the world.

Rather than sequencing the entire genome of each species, the researchers are focusing on a non-coding region of the ribosomal DNA that is known to be unique in each species. The length of the region varies from around 450 base pairs to 900 base pairs, depending upon the taxa from which it is sampled.

"If you're going to cross-compare species, you've got to amplify the same region," said Sarah Bergemann, the post-doctoral researcher in ecosystem science who is heading the lab analysis work at UC Berkeley. Bergemann is working with Amy Smith, staff research associate at Garbelotto's lab, to process the samples Garbelotto sends from Italy.

"This will be important for people who study the evolutionary characteristics of fungi," said Bergemann. "They'll be able to use our database for cross comparisons. It's also useful for people who study species distribution. For example, if you want to figure out how some species are related to one another, and you know something about their taxonomy, you can go back to their DNA to see if the morphological characteristics match their molecular code."

Without the DNA fingerprint, researchers traditionally need to wait for fungi to fruit or mushroom to identify them. "This can be very limiting because mushrooms are only produced seasonally, with some species only fruiting once every several years," said Garbelotto. "The database we are creating will allow people to identify the fungi present in plants, in the soil and in the air at any time."

The project, which began in April, is expected to be completed by the end of 2007. "We do not know of any similar project in Europe, at least of this dimension," said Enrico Ratti, the museum's scientific director.

"The importance of this project is in the cooperation between different subjects, namely private collectors, a private association, a public municipal museum and a foreign university," said Giandomenico Romanelli, director of the Musei Civici Veneziani. "We think that this is an exemplar model, to be followed in subsequent projects. Furthermore, in our philosophy, natural science collections are public goods that everybody belonging to the scientific community should be able to take advantage of."

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Contact: Sarah Yang
University of California - Berkeley

Cincinnati Children's Researchers Publish Positive Findings From Clinical Study Of Investigational Treatment For Debilitating Allergic Disorder

2007-04-16T08:05:00.001-07:00

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, a recognized leader in pediatric research dedicated to changing the outcomes for children, today announced the publication of positive results from a phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating mepolizumab, a humanized antibody to interleukin 5 (IL-5), for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EE). EE is an allergic inflammatory reaction characterized by the accumulation of large numbers of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell associated with allergic reactions) in the esophagus that leads to vomiting and difficulty in swallowing.

"Previous results suggested a key role for interleukin 5 in the accumulation of eosinophils in the esophagus and provided a strong rationale for evaluating an anti IL5 antibody as a potential therapy for EE," said Marc Rothenberg M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical College. "With support of the CCHMC Translational Research Office, this study provided a strong proof of concept for the use of mepolizumab. This data has fueled the pharmaceutical industry to expand this clinical experience with the goal of providing patients with a meaningful and effective treatment option." The paper, published in the December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Immunology, describes positive results from an open-label phase I/2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of mepolizumab in four adult patients with EE who had long term difficulty in swallowing and esophageal narrowing caused by chronic inflammation. Patients received 3 monthly infusions of mepolizumab without change in their current therapy and were monitored for 28 weeks.

At the conclusion of the study, analysis showed statistically significant reductions in several key indicators of disease including marked decreases in eosinophils in the peripheral blood and in the esophagus. In addition endoscopic examination of the esophagus showed improvements in three out of four patients. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, and all patients reported a better clinical outcome and improved quality of life.

"Cincinnati Children's has long been at the forefront of research into eosinophilic disorders and its commitment was recently underscored by the establishment of the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders," said Ellyn Kodroff, President, CURED: Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disorders. "Clinical results like this provide important hope for relief from the horrific effects of this condition for patients and their families."

EE is part of a series of chronic and debilitating gastrointestinal disorders associated with allergies that are characterized by elevated levels of eosinophils that attach to the intestinal tract leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Patients suffering from these disorders frequently must adhere to a strict diet or acquire nutrients via a feeding tube directly inserted into the stomach; and many endure nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting after every meal. Newly recognized as a disease, data shows a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of EE. It is estimated that at least one in 1,500 people suffer from some form of the disorder.

Allergic disorders are a major public health problem, affecting 50 million people in the United States. Nine million children under 18 have been diagnosed with asthma, and asthma rates in children under the age of five increased more than 160 percent from 1980-1994.

About Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, a recognized leader in pediatric research, is dedicated to changing the outcome for children throughout the world. Cincinnati Children's ranks second among all pediatric institutions in the United States in grants from the National Institutes of Health. It has an established tradition of research excellence, with discoveries including the Sabin oral polio vaccine, the surfactant preparation that saves the lives of thousands of premature infants each year, and a lifesaving rotavirus vaccine for hundreds of thousands of infants around the world. Current strategic directions include the translation of basic laboratory research into novel therapeutics for the treatment of disease, and furthering the development of personalized and predictive medicine for children.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/

EU Prioritises Allergic Diseases In The Seventh Framework Programme For Research

2007-04-16T07:09:00.001-07:00

GAВІLEN welcomes the vote of the European Parliament on the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) on 30 November that acknowledges allergic diseases as major chronic diseases to be addressed in European research during the coming 7 years (2007 - 2013).

The European Parliament adopted the report of Prof. Jerzy Buzek that recognises вЂњrespiratory diseases including those induced by allergiesвЂќ as health priorities to be addressed by translational research. This will allow respiratory allergic diseases (including asthma) to be covered by the research programme under the health theme.

In the first drafts, only food allergies (8% of all allergies) were covered. Allergic diseases will now be tackled under both the health and food themes of the research programme which should allow scientists to progress towards the overall understanding that is needed to help control this epidemic through effective prevention and treatment.

вЂњAllergic diseasesвЂќ in all their different aspects - from hay fever to fatal attacks of asthma or reactions to peanuts - are taking lives daily and creating huge financial costs. According to the World Health Organization, asthma kills someone in Europe every hour. One child in three is allergic today and by 2015, half of the European population may be suffering from one or more allergic condition.

The European UnionвЂ™s next research programme known as the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) begins on 1st January 2007 and will run for seven years until 2013 with a total budget of в‚¬54.6 billion.

GAВІLEN - the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network is a вЂњNetwork of ExcellenceвЂќ funded by the European Union 6th Research Framework Programme (FP6). It consists of 26 research centres spread throughout Europe, as well as the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA). Close to 50 collaborating centres have joined the network since its launch in 2004.

http://www.ga2len.net

World Health Report 2003, вЂњShaping the FutureвЂќ. World Health Organization

Vietnam Study Probes The Role Of Gut Worms In Allergies

2007-04-16T07:04:00.001-07:00

Gut parasites could hold the key to increasingly common conditions such as eczema, asthma and hay fever, according to scientists at The University of Nottingham.

Gut parasites, such as hookworm, have evolved together with their human hosts for millions of years. Over time, these parasites have developed ways of surviving in the human gut by 'turning down' the immune response directed against them, prolonging their survival inside the host.

This reduction in immune response may also have the effect of reducing allergic tissue reactions that characterise asthma and other allergic conditions.

The latest study in this area of research is led by Dr Carsten Flohr, a clinical scientist from The University of Nottingham and Dr Luc Nguyen Tuyen, from the Khanh Hoa Provincial Health Service in central Vietnam. This work was supported through research grants from Asthma UK, the Bastow Award from the Special Trustees for Nottingham University Hospitals and a Fellowship from University College, University of Oxford.

Dr Flohr has examined the links between worms and allergic diseases in Vietnamese children and found that those with the highest level of hookworm infestation were the least likely to have an allergic response to house dust mites.

These findings support the hypothesis that gastrointestinal infection with either hookworms or other micro-organisms protects against allergy and add further weight to the so-called вЂhygiene hypothesisвЂ™.

Dr Lyn Smurthwaite, Research Development Manager for Asthma UK said: вЂњThe вЂhygiene hypothesisвЂ™ suggests that high rates of allergies and asthma in developed countries are a result of our immune systems becoming unbalanced due to improved sanitation and hygienic lifestyles that no longer expose us to the same array of bacteria, viruses or parasites. We look forward to future results in this area.вЂќ

The study involved 1,600 children aged six to 18, in four neighbouring rural communities in Khanh Hoa province, central Vietnam. Their lifestyles were studied, along with their sensitivity to common allergens and their level of infestation with hookworm and other parasites.

Following on from the study just reported online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Dr Flohr and his colleagues in Vietnam have conducted an intervention study in the same population during which they regularly de-wormed schoolchildren to see whether this increased the prevalence of allergic diseases. This second study is now coming to a close and the results will be published early next year.

Dr Flohr said: вЂњThe results from such an intervention study will allow us to draw firmer conclusions as to whether gut worm infestation truly protects against allergic disease and sensitisation.вЂќ

Co-applicants on the Asthma UK research grant that is funding the work were Professors John Britton, David Pritchard, and Hywel Williams. The Nottingham team is collaborating with researchers from the Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, where Dr Flohr has been based for his field work.

The University of Nottingham is leading the way in the investigation of links between hookworm infestation вЂ" or lack of it вЂ" and human illness. Two further currently ongoing trials are looking at the possibility that hookworm infection may alleviate symptoms of hay fever and CrohnвЂ™s Disease.

If these studies show positive results, future drugs that mimic the immunological effects of hookworm infection could provide promising therapeutic options for patients with allergic and other autoimmune diseases.

The University of Nottingham is Britain's University of the Year (The Times Higher Awards 2006). It undertakes world-changing research, provides innovative teaching and a student experience of the highest quality. Ranked by Newsweek in the world's Top 75 universities, its academics have won two Nobel Prizes since 2003. The University is an international institution with campuses in the United Kingdom, Malaysia and China.

Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. It works together with people with asthma, health professionals and researchers to develop and share expertise to help people increase their understanding and reduce the effect of asthma on their lives.

The University of Nottingham

Gender And Obesity Key Factors In Habitual Snoring

2007-04-16T06:13:00.001-07:00

A new study confirms that male gender, obesity, and weight gain are key determinants of habitual snoring in the adult population. In 1981, Australian researchers surveyed 967 nonsnoring adults aged 25 to 74 years regarding their gender, age, respiratory/allergy symptoms, and habits related to snoring, smoking, and alcohol, tea, and coffee consumption. Body size measurements and lung function were also measured. Participants completed a follow-up survey 14-years later. Overall, 13 percent of participants became habitual snorers at the 14-year follow up. Results indicated that male gender and baseline body max index (BMI) were significant predictors of developing habitual snoring. Change in BMI over the follow-up period, development of asthma, and initiation of smoking were additional independent risk factors for the development of habitual snoring. This study appears in the December issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

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Newsbriefs from the journal Chest, December 2006

Contact: Jennifer Stawarz
American College of Chest Physicians

Allergy Drug Slows Pancreatic Tumor Growth In Preclinical Studies

2007-04-16T06:05:00.001-07:00

An anti-allergy drug in use for more than 40 years significantly reduced tumor growth in animal models of human pancreatic cancer and also increased the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy, say researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

In the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the investigators report that combining the drug, cromolyn, with chemotherapy was nearly three times better at retarding growth of pancreatic tumors in mice compared to the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine alone.

The finding may lead to a treatment advance for patients with pancreatic cancer, believed to be the most lethal of all cancers. More than 95 percent of patients diagnosed with the disease die from it, and half of those deaths occur in the first six months after diagnosis.

"Our goal is to offer longer life to these patients, and the combination of these two agents may well do that," says the study's lead author, Craig Logsdon, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Cancer Biology.

Logsdon is working with physicians at M. D. Anderson to prepare for a clinical trial. Although cromolyn is off patent and widely available, it has been used only as a topical agent (through an inhaler, nasal spray and eye drops), so the research team is studying how to deliver the drug internally.

"Cromolyn seems to reduce survival mechanisms in pancreatic cancer cells enough that when gemcitabine is added, the chemotherapy is more effective," Logsdon says. "This is good, because chemotherapy normally has very little effect in patients."

The JNCI study demonstrates in mouse models of human pancreatic cancer that the cromolyn-gemcitabine combination reduced cancer growth by 85 percent compared to control animals, Logsdon says. "Cromolyn used alone actually had a good effect on reduction of tumors compared to control animals, which surprised us," he adds. It reduced tumor growth by 70 percent, compared to growth reduction of 50 percent when gemcitabine was used as a single agent, compared to control animals.

No one knows exactly how cromolyn works to control allergies. However, Dr. Logsdon has found that cromolyn can bind a specific protein produced by cancer cells and block that protein's ability to interact with a receptor that stimulates cancer cell growth, survival, and spreading. The relationship between how the drug controls allergies and its anti-tumor effect in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. "It may be possible that cromolyn has more than one target that influences cancer," he says.

Logsdon discovered the cancer-stimulating protein, determined how it triggers tumor growth and spread, and identified cromolyn as an inhibitor. "Through serendipity and basic science sleuthing we may now have something that helps patients," he says.

The study culminates Logsdon's five-year search for an agent to treat pancreatic cancer.

Logsdon searched for genes that produced proteins secreted only by cancer cells, which would then loop around and act on the cancer cell through a receptor on the cell surface. "That way, we could have two potential drug targets - the secreted protein and the receptor," he said.

Out of a long list of such genes, Logsdon and his research team selected one called "S100P" because it is a member of the large S100 gene family, some of which produce secreted proteins and some of which are associated with other cancers. Further work showed that S100P over-expression was very specific to pancreatic cancer; the protein was not found in normal pancreatic cells. "It is important to embryonic development, but no one knows its physiological role in adult biology," he says.

By using gene-silencing techniques, Logsdon found that when the protein is disabled, cancer growth is slowed. "S100P plays a role in tumor development because it causes cancer cells to grow faster, survive better, and be more invasive," he says.

Logsdon found that S100P interacts with a receptor known as "RAGE" which also plays a role in diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. If RAGE is blocked in pancreatic cancer cells, addition of synthetic S100P to the tumor does not accelerate growth.

While Logsdon was defining S100P in pancreatic cancer, a Japanese research team working on allergies ran an experiment to see which proteins "stuck" to anti-allergy drugs, including cromolyn. Several members of the S100 family did. Logsdon then discovered that the drug also bound to S100P. He applied cromolyn to laboratory pancreatic cancer cells, and found that tumor growth was slowed. A larger effect was seen when the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine was combined with cromolyn.

Logsdon suspects that cromolyn may have other anti-tumor effects, a theory which he is currently testing. "For me this is pretty thrilling," he says. "In a relatively short time, we have gone all the way from discovering a molecule to preparations for a clinical trial."

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The study was funded by the Lockton Endowment and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Pancreatic SPORE grant from the National Cancer Institute. Working with Logsdon were M. D. Anderson researchers Thiruvengadam Arumugam Ph.D. and Vijaya Ramachandran, Ph.D.

Contact: Scott Merville
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Enzyme ENOS Plays Previously Unrecognized Role In Anaphylactic Shock

2007-04-16T04:34:00.001-07:00

Anaphylaxis is a severe and rapid allergic reaction, and its most severe form - anaphylactic shock - can lead to death in minutes if left untreated. Anaphylactic shock can be caused by bee stings, food, medications, and latex exposure and one of the primary physical effects is dilation of blood vessels due to the production of nitric oxide (NO), resulting in dangerously low blood pressure. It is generally accepted that the enzyme inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is responsible for the excessive NO production during shock. However, in a study appearing in the August issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Anje Cauwels and colleagues from Ghent University, Belgium, show that anaphylactic shock in mice was dependent entirely on NO produced not by iNOS, but by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), which is made in endothelial cells that line blood vessels. The results show that eNOS is activated via the PI3K signaling pathway. The researchers went on to show that inhibition of NOS or PI3K, or eNOS deficiency provided complete protection against shock. The data strongly support the unexpected concept that eNOS-derived NO is the main cause of vessel dilation and low blood pressure in anaphylactic shock. In an accompanying commentary, Thomas Michel and Charles Lowenstein comment that, "these findings also suggest that inhibitors of PI3K…might plausibly be targets for the treatment of anaphylaxis."

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TITLE: Anaphylactic shock depends on PI3K and eNOS-derived NO

AUTHOR CONTACT:
Anje Cauwels
Ghent University and Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.
E-mail: Anje.Cauwels@dmbr.UGent.be.

View the PDF of this article at: http://https://www.the-jci.org/article.php?id=25426

ACCOMPANYING COMMENTARY

TITLE: What's in a name? eNOS and anaphylactic shock

AUTHOR CONTACT:
Thomas Michel
Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Emal: tmichel@research.bwh.harvard.edu.

OR

Charles J. Lowenstein
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Email: clowenst@jhmi.edu.

View the PDF of this article at: http://https://www.the-jci.org/article.php?id=29406

Source: JCI table of contents: August, 2006

Contact: Brooke Grindlinger
Journal of Clinical Investigation

Progress In Battle Against Life-threatening Acute Allergy

2007-04-16T03:38:00.001-07:00

Up to 15% of the population has to contend at some time with Anaphylaxis: a suddenly serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Researchers from the Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) connected to Ghent University have uncovered mechanisms that underlie this reaction. Their research offers new perspectives for the treatment of anaphylactic shock.

Anaphylaxis
Some people have allergic reactions to certain substances that can be so pronounced that they affect the entire body. Such a reaction - called anaphylaxis - can be so severe that it becomes life-threatening. An injection of adrenalin is currently the only effective remedy known for this condition. But adrenalin often has no, or insufficient, effect on the cardiovascular collapse that is a consequence of the allergic shock.

Anaphylaxis occurs fairly frequently and strikes up to 15% of the population. It can be caused by a bee sting, by medications, by contact with latex, or by certain foods such as peanuts. Because more and more people are being confronted with anaphylactic shock, and given the limitations of the current treatment methods, scientists are searching for better remedies.

Several leading actors
Scientists are aware of the possible role of PAF (Platelet Activating Factor) in blood pressure and heart disorders that result from shock like anaphylactic shock. They also know that extreme amounts of nitric oxide (NO) can lie at the basis of shock. The so-called NOS enzymes are responsible for the production of NO in the body. However, the role of NO in producing anaphylactic shock, or how shock is induced by PAF, has always been unclear. So, Anje Cauwels and her colleagues, under the leadership of Peter Brouckaert, have been focusing their attention on anaphylaxis to try to shed more light on these matters.

The mechanism exposed
The Ghent researchers used mice to study PAF and anaphylactic shock. To their great surprise, the hyper-acute PAF-induced shock was completely dependent on NO. Furthermore, the production of NO was not regulated by iNOS (the expected activator) but by the constitutive eNOS, which is activated via the PI3K pathway. Up to now, scientists have thought that this pathway only plays a role in normal blood pressure regulation, and not in shock.

The research team then set out to verify whether inhibition of the several leading actors could prevent anaphylactic shock. And indeed, from their research it turns out that inhibition of eNOS or PI3K provides total protection.

New perspectives for future therapies
The research of Cauwels and Brouckaert has yielded an unexpected new finding: namely, that eNOS-derived NO plays a key role in anaphylactic shock. This discovery opens new perspectives for treatment - it's now clear that eNOS and PI3K are prime targets for new drugs against anaphylaxis.

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Contact: Joke Comijn
VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology

Tired Of Scratching? How To Weather 'Winter Itch'

2007-04-16T03:33:00.001-07:00

Not all winter flakes are made of snow. Cold weather wreaks havoc on our skin, sometimes making it dry and flaky. Skin dries out if it's deprived of water and this dryness often causes itchiness, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as "winter itch."

"Most of us experience dry and itchy skin from time to time, but you should seek medical attention if discomfort becomes severe," says Dr. Lauren Sternberg, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. "The best thing you can do to relieve the itch is to moisturize your skin because, unfortunately, you can't do anything about the weather."

"Remember, dry skin is due to lack of water. Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing or showering, while your skin is still wet to trap water in the skin," notes Dr. Sternberg.

She suggests the following tips to turn your skin from alligator into suede:

-- Moisturize daily. Cream moisturizers are better than lotions for normal to dry skin. People with sensitive skin should choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin.

-- Cleanse your skin, but don't overdo it. It is enough to wash your face, hands, feet, and between the folds of your skin once a day. The trunk, arms, and legs can be rinsed daily, but it is not necessary to use soap or cleanser on these areas every day. Too much cleansing removes the skin's natural moisturizers.

-- Limit the use of hot water and soap. If you have "winter itch," take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser. Immediately afterward, apply a "water-in-oil" -- type moisturizer. Gently pat skin dry.

-- Humidify. Humidifiers can be beneficial. However, be sure to clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions to reduce mold and fungi.

-- Protect yourself from the wind. Cover your face and use a petroleum-based balm for your lips.

-- Avoid extreme cold. Cold temperatures can cause skin disorders or frostbite in some people. See a doctor immediately if you develop color changes in your hands or feet accompanied by pain or ulceration. If you develop extreme pain followed by loss of sensation in a finger or toe, you may have frostbite.

-- Protect your skin from the sun. Winter sun can be as dangerous for the skin as summer sun. It can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. When outdoors for prolonged periods, use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater.

-- Exercise. For skin with a healthy glow, 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week is recommended.

-- See your dermatologist. If you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching, skin growths that concern you, or other rashes, see your dermatologist -- not only in winter but throughout the year.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
525 East 68th Street, Box 144
New York, NY 10021
USA
http://www.nyp.org

Breathe Easier! Family Guide To Winter Allergies - Ten Tips On Improving Life In The Winter For Both Parents And Children

2007-04-16T02:47:00.001-07:00

Spring and summer are not the only seasons that bring misery to those with allergies.

"The end of the pollinating season is good news for people -- both adults and children -- with hay fever and similar summer allergies, but those who are sensitive to mold spores may have to wait until the first frost to find relief. Allergy to mold spores can be more of a problem than pollen allergy because mold grows anywhere and is not limited to a single season. It needs little more than moisture and oxygen to thrive," says Dr. Michael Stewart, chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

In addition, Dr. David J. Resnick, acting director of the Allergy Division at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian, says, "Allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses especially in the winter when families spend more time indoors, which increases their exposure to irritants like dust mites, pet dander, smoke, household sprays and chemicals, and gas fumes -- any and all of which can make their lives miserable."

Drs. Stewart and Resnick offer these 10 tips to make the winter months more bearable for allergy sufferers:

-- Keep your indoor humidity level below 35 percent to help prevent the growth of mold and mites.

-- Use exhaust fans when showering or cooking to remove excess humidity and odors. Avoid putting rugs in the bedroom, if possible, since wall-to-wall carpeting is an ideal place for dust mites to proliferate.

-- When outdoors, keep children from playing in areas that promote mold growth, such as dark, wooded areas.

-- Use dust-proof covers for mattresses, box springs and pillows to decrease exposure to allergens, but consult your allergist before undertaking such an expense.

-- Wash bed linens and nightclothes in hot water (above 130 degrees) to kill dust mites.

-- If you must use a humidifier, keep it clean and change the water frequently to avoid contamination by mold and bacteria. Central humidifiers should be sprayed with an anti-mold agent.

-- Don't put plants in the bedroom, since decaying leaves and increased humidity can stimulate growth of mold.

-- Adults and children allergic to household pets (dogs and cats) should minimize their contact with them. If you cannot remove the pets from the household, keep them out of the bedroom at all times.

-- Children with asthma should get a flu vaccine at the end of October or the beginning of November before the onset of cold weather. Also, keep your child well-hydrated and protected from cold air with proper attire (i.e., a scarf over the mouth).

-- Contact your family physician or allergist for proper evaluation and treatment.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
525 East 68th Street, Box 144
New York, NY 10021
USA
http://www.nyp.org

Food Wrappers Can Cause Fatal Allergic Reactions

2007-04-16T02:34:00.001-07:00

About one third of all food wrapping contains latex, an allergen that possibly up to 6% of the population is allergic to, according to a new study carried out at Leatherhead Food International, commissioned by the Food Standards Agency, UK. More worrying was that the lab tests found that the latex, on occasions, was making its way into the food itself.

You can read about this study in the journal Chemistry and Industry.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said "The Food Standards Agency advises consumers not to change what they eat or how they prepare it, as it is not clear that there actually is transfer of allergens from latex to food outside the laboratory."

People who are allergic to latex do not need much of it to trigger a reaction, even quantities as low as one billionth of a gram per millilitre (ng/ml) can. Latex is extensively used by the food industry, you can find it in confectionary cold-seal adhesives, fruit and vegetable stickers, even some ice-cream wrappers have latex in them.

Even though we know that latex does cause an allergic reaction in a significant number of people, there are no agreements with the food industry for safe levels of it.

In this study the scientists looked at latex levels in 21 different types of food packaging. They found that over 30% of the wrappers contained latex. An ice cream wrapper contained 370 ng/ml, three-hundred and seventy times the minimum that can trigger an allergic reaction in some humans.

A chocolate biscuit actually had 17 ng/ml of latex inside it, the latex had transferred from the wrapper into the food. Two other samples of foods also had latex inside them. The food Standards Agency stressed that a lab experiment does not necessarily mean the same happens outside.

The UK Latex Allergy Support Group says changes in food labelling rules are urgently needed. For some people there are no safe levels of latex, says the group.

The FSA says more research needs to be carried out before deciding on how to proceed.

-- Journal Chemistry and Industry
-- Food Standards Agency
-- Latex Allergy Support Group

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

Allergic Rhinitis Is Associated With The Development Of Parkinson's Disease Later In Life, Mayo Clinic

2007-04-16T01:45:00.001-07:00

Researchers from Mayo Clinic have discovered that allergic rhinitis is associated with the development of Parkinson's disease later in life. Findings will be published in the August issue of the journal Neurology.

"The association with Parkinson's disease is increased to almost three times that of someone who does not have allergic rhinitis," says James Bower, M.D., Mayo Clinic neurologist and lead study investigator. "That's actually a pretty high elevation."

Previous studies had shown that people who regularly take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. These results prompted the Mayo Clinic investigators to look further into the links between diseases characterized by inflammation and Parkinson's. They studied 196 people who developed Parkinson's disease, matched with people of similar age and gender who did not develop Parkinson's. The study was conducted in Olmsted County, Minn., home of Mayo Clinic, over a 20-year period.

The researchers examined these groups to determine if those who developed Parkinson's disease had more inflammatory diseases. They found that those with allergic rhinitis were 2.9 times more likely to develop Parkinson's. They did not find a similar association between inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia or vitiligo and Parkinson's disease. The researchers hypothesize that they may not have found significant links between these diseases and Parkinson's disease due to the relatively small number of those in the population who have these diseases, and thus the small number with these diseases in their population sample study. They also did not find the same association with Parkinson's disease in patients with asthma that they discovered in those with allergic rhinitis.

Dr. Bower says that this study did not examine patients' types of allergies or when they developed allergies.

The investigators theorize that a tendency toward inflammation is the key link between the diseases.

"People with allergic rhinitis mount an immune response with their allergies, so they may be more likely to mount an immune response in the brain as well, which would produce inflammation," Dr. Bower says. "The inflammation produced may release certain chemicals in the brain and inadvertently kill brain cells, as we see in Parkinson's."

Dr. Bower explains that this study does not prove that allergies cause Parkinson's disease; instead, it points to an association between the two diseases. He advises that allergy patients can do little to reduce the potential risk for Parkinson's.

"I wouldn't worry if you have allergies," he says. "Treat the allergy symptoms you have to alleviate them at the time. At this point, we have no good evidence that this treatment will protect you from possibly developing Parkinson's disease later."

Dr. Bower and colleagues hope, however, that the clues in this study may give scientists a strong hint about inflammation's role in Parkinson's.

"This is exciting, because we may be able to develop medications to block the inflammation," he says.

Parkinson's is a complex disease, says Dr. Bower, because many factors can contribute to its development and its causes can differ. The complexity can be compared to heart attacks, which can be caused by hypertension, high cholesterol or smoking, among other factors. Thus, allergic rhinitis would now be considered one among many possible risk factors for development of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease affects nerve cells (neurons) in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. People with Parkinson's disease often experience trembling, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking, and problems with balance and coordination. These symptoms generally develop after age 50, although the disease also affects a small percentage of younger people. The normal lifetime risk to develop Parkinson's disease for men and women combined is 1.7 percent.

###

To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to http://www.mayoclinic.org/news. MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com/) is available as a resource for your health stories.

Contact: Lisa Lucier
Mayo Clinic

Routine Screening For Celiac Disease Not Always Beneficial

2007-04-16T01:34:00.001-07:00

Doing more is not always better. Improving the quality of medical care does not necessarily dictate providing additional care. And in the case of children with Down syndrome, routine screening for celiac disease in children without symptoms of the disease, as recommended by at least one medical professional organization, does more harm than good according to a study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers published in the August issue of Pediatrics.

"Although there are tests to find out whether a child with Down syndrome has celiac disease before the child develops symptoms, early treatment does not appear to improve the child's quality of life or improve outcomes from one of the long-term consequences of celiac disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," said Nancy Swigonski, M.D., M.P.H., the study's first author and an associate professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine and affiliated scientist of the Regenstrief Institute, Inc.

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. Individuals with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Untreated celiac disease is thought to increase the risk of intestinal lymphoma.

Using decision analysis, a tool for weighing alternative courses of action in terms of their potential benefits and liabilities, the researchers looked at the potential benefit of preventing gastrointestinal malignancy by detecting celiac disease in children without symptoms of the disease and weighed the benefit against the cost and quality of life issues associated with screening and treatment of celiac disease. They also calculated the number of asymptomatic children with Down syndrome who needed to be screened to prevent a single case of lymphoma.

The researchers report that routine screening of all children with Down syndrome would cost $500,000 per life-year gained and that screening all asymptomatic children with Down syndrome for celiac disease would cost almost $5 million to prevent a single case of lymphoma.

And the financial cost of routine screening those without symptoms of celiac disease is far from the only issue. Even small decrements in the quality of a child's life caused by dietary restrictions more than off-set the trivial and unproven reduction in the risk of lymphoma.

"As a pediatrician, I know the treatment of celiac disease places a burden on the patient and on the family. The strict gluten-free dietary constraints (the recommended treatment) are not only costly, but more importantly, they make the child stand out when most patients and families are working very hard to integrate the child into society. We have many tools, tests and procedures that can be done but we need to use evidence-based medicine and family-centered care to make effective decisions for the assessment and care of children." said Dr. Swigonski.

An accompanying commentary written by two Brown University physicians noted, "This is an example of where doing more is not better - despite good intentions harm can be done and resources may be wasted."

###

While rejecting routine screening for celiac disease in children without symptoms, the authors of the study do call for a low threshold for testing for celiac disease in children and adults with Down syndrome who have symptoms of celiac disease.

Co-authors of the study are Heather Kuhlenschmidt, M.D., Marilyn J. Bull, M.D., Mark R. Corkins, M.D., and Stephen M. Downs, M.D., M.S., all of the Department of Pediatrics of the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Downs, who heads the Pediatrics Department's Division of Child Health Services Research and is director of general and community pediatrics, is also a Regenstrief Institute, Inc. affiliated scientist.

"Often medical interventions seem intuitively good on the surface, but careful analysis of the evidence and the trade-offs patients face sometimes uncovers unintended harms or unreasonable costs," according to Dr. Downs, senior author of the study.

Contact: Cindy Fox Aisen
Indiana University

Hidden Dangers In The Classroom: Exposures To Hidden Food Allergens Extend Beyond The Cafeteria

2007-04-16T00:41:00.001-07:00

Back-to-school often means last minute doctor's appointments, haircuts, and new clothes. But it's also an anxious time for families who have children with food allergies.

For parents of children with food allergies, risks extend beyond the cafeteria into the classroom, even to the school buses and field trips. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization, providing education and awareness on food allergy and anaphylaxis, says the risk of accidental exposure in those environments away from the cafeteria can be just as life-threatening.

"Often, parents and school staff think about avoiding allergens such as peanuts, milk products, or other foods in the cafeteria. Parents of children with food allergies should work with school staff to prepare a comprehensive plan to protect the child in all school settings and control the exposure to materials that could cause a reaction. Nothing should be taken for granted," said Anne Munoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN.

More than two million school-aged children have food allergies. For many, even trace amounts of a food allergen can cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can result in hives, swelling, unconsciousness, and possibly death.

"Nearly 90 percent of school nurses indicated that when compared with other health issues, food allergy among children is very serious. The issue needs to be addressed by school officials as the average U.S. public school has 10 students with food allergies," continued Munoz-Furlong.

It is essential that school staff never let their guard down and always take the proper precautions. FAAN explains that any prop or project with food that contains any of the top eight allergens -- milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, etc.), fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy increases the risk for causing a reaction in a school setting to a child with food allergies.

Exposures to hidden food allergens extend beyond the cafeteria to objects in classrooms, field trips, and even materials used in art class. For example:

-- In the classroom, peanut butter is used to make bird feeders or used peanut jars may be used to hold crayons.

-- During school field trips, tree nuts may be found in "fossil digs" in museums.

-- In art classes, wheat can be found in papier mache, while egg may be used to thicken tempera paint.

Munoz-Furlong suggests families meet with school staff to go over all allergy needs, check materials and labels in art and science supply closets, and establish a plan so that they have a means of communication throughout the school year. She also suggests educators substitute food rewards with stickers, certificates, or pencils.

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
http://www.foodallergy.org/

The Asthma And Allergy Foundation Of America And The HealthCentral Network To Develop Enhanced Internet Resources For Patients

2007-04-16T00:34:00.001-07:00

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (http://www.aafa.org) and The HealthCentral Network (http://www.TheHealthCentralNetwork.com), a Choice Media Division, announce that they will work together to create a new online resource for individuals with asthma and allergic disorders. The collaboration marries the deep health education expertise and resources of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation with The HealthCentral Network's multimedia capabilities and vast online community of patients and experts.

"This partnership with The HealthCentral Network offers us a valuable modern vehicle to disseminate our extensive library of multimedia educational materials," said Mike Tringale, M.S.M., the Foundation's Director of Marketing and Communications. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is the leading nonprofit patient organization focused on improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies and provides practical information, community based services and support through a national network of chapters and support groups. "One of our first joint projects will be to create a Web site portal to create opportunities for patients, providers and caregivers in the asthma and allergy community to connect," said Tringale. "Future projects will include the development of a blog allowing our supporters to interact on topics ranging from advocacy and policy issues, asthma and allergy program funding, patient rights, treatment guidelines and more."

The HealthCentral Network's new asthma Web site at http://www.MyAsthmaCentral.com and allergy Web site at http://www.MyAsthmaCentral.com are designed to leverage the wisdom and experience of asthma and allergy sufferers to help others coping with similar challenges. Building on a base of comprehensive medical information to inform and manage asthma, the new site seeks foremost to connect the asthma community through the voice of others who have been there. Through new tools such as customizable Web sites to keep extended families up-to-date during acute episodes, and regular blogs by those who can articulate the everyday realities of living with asthma, The HealthCentral Network seeks to provide in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America the ultimate community site to build awareness and understanding. More than 50 million individuals in the United States have allergies, and 20 million individuals have developed asthma, often triggered by or co-existing with other allergies.

"We are excited about promoting the Asthma and Allergy Foundation's award- winning educational programs, cutting edge research, and outstanding internet resources to our millions of Web site visitors on The HealthCentral Network," said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of Choice Media. "Through this collaboration we hope to tap into the Foundation's network of local chapters and support groups to create an inspirational online community that captures the patient experience and addresses real world needs."

About The HealthCentral Network

The HealthCentral Network (http://www.aafa.org) is a division of Choice Media, Inc. and has over 30 general health and highly specific condition and wellness web properties, each committed to offering a voice in every day and personal language people can understand and connect with at critical points in their lives. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth, and trusted medical information, personalized tools and resources, and connections to vast communities of expertise for people seeking to engage in, manage and improve their health. The award-winning, multi-media experience combines medically-reviewed articles from doctors and researchers, as well as news, information, video and extensive engagement from every day people who have great experience and empathy in specific health areas. The Company also produces the Medical Breakthroughs television show, seen around the country.

Founded in the late 1990s, Choice Media, Inc. was recently acquired by a team of blue-chip investors including Sequoia Capital, Polaris Ventures, The Carlyle Group and Allen & Company. With a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science and news journalism, Choice Media, Inc. aims for the highest standards of quality, relevance and community for patients and their caregivers.

About the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), headquartered in Washington, DC, is the leading non-profit consumer and patient organization fighting asthma and allergic disease. The Foundation provides free information to the public, offers educational programs to consumers and health professionals, leads advocacy efforts to improve patient care and supports research to find cures. The Foundation's services include a toll-free hotline, counseling and educational materials, and a free caregiver magazine. For more than 50 years, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has been a leader in fiscal responsibility and charity management and has a coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a member of the National Health Council. To learn more about The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, visit http://www.aafa.org.

The HealthCentral Network
http://www.TheHealthCentralNetwork.com

Exam Nerves Affects Students' Immune Defence

2007-04-15T23:37:00.001-07:00

It is hardly surprising that one of the medical programmes most important exams is stressful for students. However, research now shows that this mental stress also affects the students' immune defence systems, particularly amongst those suffering from allergies.

While diseases like asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly common in the West, many people believe that we are living ever stressful lives. A new study from Karolinska Institutet (KI) in Sweden backs up what many people have suspected: that there are important links between mental stress and the complex physical inflammation reactions characteristic of allergies.

In order to understand the link between stress and allergy, the scientists have examined how a major medical exam at KI affects feelings of stress, stress hormone levels, the immune system and lung function amongst students with and without allergies. The extensive tests were made on two occasions, first with the students during a calm period of study with no exam in sight, and then shortly before a major exam. Twenty two students with hayfever and/or asthma and 19 healthy students took part.

For the first time on record, scientists were able to show that a group of cells that are central to the human immune system known as regulatory T cells appear to increase sharply in number in response to mental stress. A regulatory T cell is a kind of white blood cell that controls the activity of a number of other types of immune cell. This increase was observed in both groups of students.

The study also showed that blood concentrations of a group of inflammation products called cytokines had changed and shifted against a pattern associated with allergic inflammation in the allergic students, but remained normal in the healthy students.

According to Mats Lekander and Caroline Olgart Hцglund, who are leading the research group, the two discoveries might very well be linked.

"There is much to suggest that the regulatory T cells are dysfunctional in people with allergies," Mats Lekander says. When people become stressed, they increase in number and normally have an anti-inflammatory effect. If this system does not work in people with allergies, it could explain the changed cytokine balance that we have observed in them."

KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET
SE-171 77 Stockholm

info@ki.se
http://info.ki.se/index_se.html

Students' Immune Defense Affected By Exam Nerves

2007-04-15T23:33:00.001-07:00

It is hardly surprising that one of the medical programmes most important exams is stressful for students. However, research now shows that this mental stress also affects the students' immune defense systems, particularly amongst those suffering from allergies.

While diseases like asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly common in the West, many people believe that we are living ever stressful lives. A new study from Karolinska Institutet (KI) in Sweden backs up what many people have suspected: that there are important links between mental stress and the complex physical inflammation reactions characteristic of allergies.

In order to understand the link between stress and allergy, the scientists have examined how a major medical exam at KI affects feelings of stress, stress hormone levels, the immune system and lung function amongst students with and without allergies. The extensive tests were made on two occasions, first with the students during a calm period of study with no exam in sight, and then shortly before a major exam. Twenty two students with hayfever and/or asthma and 19 healthy students took part.

For the first time on record, scientists were able to show that a group of cells that are central to the human immune system known as regulatory T cells appear to increase sharply in number in response to mental stress. A regulatory T cell is a kind of white blood cell that controls the activity of a number of other types of immune cell. This increase was observed in both groups of students.

The study also showed that blood concentrations of a group of inflammation products called cytokines had changed and shifted against a pattern associated with allergic inflammation in the allergic students, but remained normal in the healthy students.

According to Mats Lekander and Caroline Olgart Hoglund, who are leading the research group, the two discoveries might very well be linked.

"There is much to suggest that the regulatory T cells are dysfunctional in people with allergies," he says. When people become stressed, they increase in number and normally have an anti-inflammatory effect. If this system does not work in people with allergies, it could explain the changed cytokine balance that we have observed in them."

###

Publication:

"Changes in immune regulation in response to examination stress in atopic and healthy individuals"

Hoglund, C. Olgart, Axen, J., Kemi, C., Jernelov, S., Grunewald, J., Muller-Suur, C., Smith, Y., Gronneberg, R., Eklund, A., Stierna, P. & Lekander, M

Clinical & Experimental Allergy 36 (8), 982-992

For further information, please contact:

Mats Lekander, Department of Clinical Neuroscience Email: mats.lekander@ki.se

Caroline Olgart Hoglund, Department of Medicine, Email: caroline.olgart@ki.se

Contact: Katarina Sternudd
Karolinska Institutet

Studies Have Shown That Using Air Filters Can Help Reduce Allergies And Asthmatic Attacks

2007-04-15T22:38:00.001-07:00

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma is an allergic reaction that can be brought on by a variety of triggers including certain foods, medicines, organisms, dander, mold and airborne pollution. An asthmatic attack can be very frightening for both the asthmatic and their friends and family. While an air purifier alone is not sufficient to remove all allergans and asthmatic triggers from a home, they can be an effective component in your arsenal.

Including Air Purifiers in your Arsenal to help Combat Asthma Attacks

A quality air purifier alone cannot trap all household allergans that may contribute to asthmatic attacks. The reason for this is that not all allergans are or remain airborne. For example, many people with allergies are allergic to dust mite droppings (feces) which fall out of the air and into carpeting, upholstery and linens rather quickly due to their relatively large size. In addition, allergy attacks can be brought on by the presence of certain organisms which are immune to air purification, such as cockroaches.

In a September, 2004 study co-funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and published in the New England Journal of Medicine it was found that a HEPA air filter, when used in conjunction with dust mite proof mattress and pillow covers, cockroach extermination and a HEPA vacuum, dramatically reduced asthma symptoms.

Though no air cleaning system can remove all allergans from a home, studies have shown they can significantly reduce the levels of airborn allergans and irritants, in some cases, by up to 90%. The HEPA filter has long been used in laboratory experiments, and has been proven to reduce the level of particles in the air. Many air filtration systems rely solely on HEPA technology, or, include a HEPA filter as part of a multi-filtration system.

Multi Filter Air Cleaning Systems

There are purifiers available today that combine more than one type of air filtration technology. The HEPA filter is a widely known, effective and popular air filter. Newer technologies include ionization and UV filters, which, when combined with a HEPA, can trap or kill allergans and particles that are much smaller in size than was previously possible. There are some UV filters that can effectively treat airborne pollutants that are down to 0.001 microns in size. The HEPA air filter traps particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. Ionization technology for air filtration works by negatively producing negatively charged ions which attach themselves to contaminants. These contaminants then drop from the air, resulting in cleaner air to breathe. The HEPA operates by physically trapping particles that go through the filter. While the UV method works by killing or destroying germs.

While no air filtration system alone can remove all potential allergans from the air, they can definitely help reduce them. Subsequently helping to reduce the number of allergic or asthmatic attacks an individual may experience. Much of this depends on what the individual is allergic to, what filtration system they choose, and what other allergan-removal methods they employ in their home environment. A quality air purifier can be a valuable tool in fighting allergies and the effects of asthma.

By Michelle O'Connor
Air Purifying Your Home

Are Schools Prepared To Deal With Serious Allergies Of Pupils?

2007-04-15T22:33:00.001-07:00

Severe allergies are on the rise, but a survey of schools in Scotland suggests that many of them are ill-prepared to protect their pupils, as reported by Aziz Sheikh and colleagues in the international open-access medical journal PLoS Medicine.

Foods are the most common trigger of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life threatening allergic reaction, in children. Anaphylaxis can develop both in people known to have a tendency (risk) of getting the condition, or in those with no known risk. Sheikh and colleagues mailed questionnaires to 250 Scottish schools, of which 148 replied. 90 of them reported having at least one child with a known risk of developing anaphylaxis. Of those, most had at least one staff member trained to treat anaphylaxis, and almost all had the drug adrenaline (epinephrine) on site, which is a life-saving medication for treating anaphylaxis. However, many of the schools were doing poorly at reducing the risk of anaphylaxis -- for example, only 1 in 3 of these schools banned the sharing of eating utensils. Another worrying finding was that among the 58 schools that did not have children known to be at risk of anaphylaxis, less than half had a trained member of staff and only about 1 in 8 of these schools had adrenaline on site.

The study suggests that there needs to be detailed guidance for all schools in Scotland on preventing and treating anaphylaxis.

Citation: Rankin KE, Sheikh A (2006) Serious shortcomings in the management of children with anaphylaxis in Scottish schools. PLoS Med 3(8): e326.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0030326

###

CONTACT:
Aziz Sheikh
Edinburgh University
Division of Community Health Sciences
General Practice Section
20 West Richmond St
Edinburgh, EH8 9DX United Kingdom
aziz.sheikh@ed.ac.uk

All works published in PLoS Medicine are open access. Everything is immediately available without cost to anyone, anywhere -- to read, download, redistribute, include in databases, and otherwise use -- subject only to the condition that the original authorship is properly attributed. Copyright is retained by the authors. The Public Library of Science uses the Creative Commons Attribution License.

About PLoS Medicine

PLoS Medicine is an open access, freely available international medical journal. It publishes original research that enhances our understanding of human health and disease, together with commentary and analysis of important global health issues. For more information, visit http://www.plosmedicine.org/

About the Public Library of Science

The Public Library of Science (PLoS) is a non-profit organization of scientists and physicians committed to making the world's scientific and medical literature a freely available public resource. For more information, visit http://www.plos.org/

Contact: Andrew Hyde
Public Library of Science

Replacing Old Mattress, Adding Ventilation Reduces Mites

2007-04-15T21:37:00.001-07:00

Reducing the level of dust mites in the bedroom can be achieved by replacing old mattresses and increasing a room's ventilation, according to a new study.

The study, which was based on data collected from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II, can be found in articles in press area of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) Web site, http://www.jacionline.org. The JACI is the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

In "Distribution and determinants of house dust mite allergen in Europe: The European Community Respiratory Health Survey II," Jan-Paul Zock, PhD, Municipal Institute of Medical Research, Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues looked to determine the distribution of two common house dust mites and what conditions would affect the level of those allergens in each home.

More than 3,500 samples of dust were taken from mattresses found in homes in 22 different study centers throughout Europe and analyzed for the different dust mite allergens. A bed in each home was stripped of linens and an 80cm x 125cm template was placed on the area of the bed where the participant usually slept, and that area was vacuumed to collect the dust samples.

Researchers found that Der 1 and Der 2 dust mite allergens were detectable in 68% and 53% of all samples, respectively, and that large differences in allergen levels occurred between study centers. Important risk factors for high allergen levels included an older mattress, a lower floor level of the bedroom, limited ventilation of bedroom and for one of the dust mites sampled, the level of dampness in the bedroom. Zock and colleagues concluded mite allergen exposure may be reduced by replacing the mattress regularly and increasing ventilation in the bedroom, particularly in winter.

Another study that resulted from the survey showed cat allergens may be present in homes that are cat-free.

Joachim Henrich, PhD, National Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, Germany, and colleagues' study, "Cat allergen level: Its determinants and relationship to specific IgE to cat across European Centers," measured the quantity of cat allergen in mattress dust, and then analyzed the relationship between cat ownership and the level of cat allergen found in the participants' homes. The study can be found in the articles in press area of the JACI Web site, http://www.jacionline.org.

Like the Zock study, dust was vacuumed from the mattresses, with 2,800 mattresses from homes 22 different communities sampled. Current cat owners' homes had substantially higher amounts of allergens than past cat owners and those who had never owned a cat.

While never having a cat in the home led to a lower concentration of cat allergen, it didn't protect against high cat allergen exposure in communities where cat ownership is common. The researchers concluded that people who do not own cats may still be exposed to high levels of cat allergen in the home because cat ownership is common in their community and they bring the allergen home on their clothes. Indoor smoking was also found to lead to higher level of cat allergens, possibly because cat allergens can bind to the smoking-related particulate matter, and consequently, allergen concentrations might be increased in settled dust.

The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.

EDI 555 East Wells St., Ste 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
United States

http://www.aaaai.org
http://www.aaaai.org/public/default.stm

Prevalence Of Childhood Allergies Has Increased Over Past Decade

2007-04-15T21:33:00.001-07:00

The prevalence of childhood allergies, such as hayfever, have increased over the past decade in many countries of the world, especially among younger age groups, reveals an Article in this week's issue of The Lancet.

In 1991 researchers carried out the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) to assess the worldwide prevalence of asthma, hayfever, and eczema*. Between 2002 and 2003, Innes Asher (University of Auckland, New Zealand) and colleagues repeated ISAAC to examine any changes in prevalence. The investigators surveyed the parents of over 193 400 children aged 6-7 years from 37 countries on the presence of symptoms of asthma and allergies, such as wheezing, in their child. They also asked around 304 680 children, aged 13-14 years from 56 countries, the same questions. Developing countries such as South Africa, Brazil, and Iran and developed countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and the UK contributed to the study.

The investigators found that increases in prevalence were more common than decreases and occurred more commonly in the younger age-group. The increases were greatest for eczema in the younger age-group, and for hayfever in both age-groups. However, in the older age group where prevalence of asthma had been previously been high, symptoms of the condition more commonly decreased. The only regions where increases in prevalence of all three disorders occurred more often in both age-groups than decreases were Asia-Pacific and India.

In the UK, where around 1700 children took part in the study, asthma prevalence went up from 18.4% to 20.9%, hayfever from 9.8% to 10.1%, and eczema from 13% to 16% between 1991 and 2003.

Professor Asher concludes: "The data have direct relevance for health-service delivery in the countries included in the study as well as providing a basis for understanding these disorders. In almost all centres, there was a change in prevalence of one or more disorders over time. Although changes in mean annual prevalence to the order of 0.5% might sound small, such changes could have substantial pubic-health implications, especially since the increases took place most commonly in heavily populated countries."

###

Contact: Professor Innes Asher, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. mi.asher@auckland.ac.nz

Notes to editors

*Eczema - describes a group of skin conditions where the skin becomes inflamed, red, and itchy.

Contact: Joe Santangelo
Lancet

Childhood Allergies Have Increased Globally Since 1991

2007-04-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

Childhood allergies have become more widespread around the globe since 1991, according to a large study. The most common allergies are hayfever, asthma and eczema. In the UK, a study of 1,700 children found asthma prevalence went up from 18.4% in 1991 to 20.9% in 2003 - for the same period hayfever prevalence went up from 9.8% to 10.1% and eczema rose from 13% to 16%.

Between 2002 and 2003, Professor Innes Asher, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand, and team, repeated a 1991 study called The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) to asses global prevalence of asthma, hayfever and eczema.

193,400 children, aged 6-7, from 37 different countries were monitored for symptoms of asthma and other allergies, such as wheezing. The researchers used feedback from the children's parents for this study. Another 304,680 children, aged 13-14, from 56 different countries, were surveyed directly with the same questions. The study included children from developing countries, such as Brazil, South Africa and Iran, as well as developed countries, such as the UK, Swede, Canada and New Zealand.

The researchers found that:

-- Rises in prevalence were more common than falls - especially among younger children

-- Eczema has become more widespread worldwide among younger children

-- Hayfever has become more prevalent globally among all age-groups

--Asthma prevalence among older kids, which had previously been high, more commonly decreased

--Only in India and the Asia-Pacific region has the prevalence of all three disorders - asthma, hayfever and eczema - increased in all age-groups.

Prof. Innes Asher concludes that the data have direct relevance for health-service delivery in the countries included in the study, as well as providing a basis for understanding these disorders. Almost everywhere there has been a change in prevalence of one or more disorders over time. Seemingly small increases of 0.5% may seem insignificant. However, they have substantial public-health implications, especially as they often appear to take place in densely populated areas.

Worldwide time trends in the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in childhood: ISAAC Phases One and Three repeat multicountry cross-sectional surveys
Prof M Innes Asher MBChB, Stephen Montefort MD, Bengt Bjцrkstйn MD, Christopher KW Lai DM, David P Strachan MD, Stephan K Weiland MD and Hywel Williams PhD, the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
The Lancet 2006; 368:733-743
DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69283-0
Click Here To View Abstract (You will need to register - Free)

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

Not All Yellow Jackets Created Equal

2007-04-15T20:33:00.001-07:00

Flouting widely held beliefs that yellow jacket stings have less effect early in the season and that most people can outgrow a dangerous allergic reaction to a sting, allergists at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have concluded that the sting severity is determined not by the calendar but by the species of insect doing the stinging.

"As far as stings go, some yellow jackets are worse than others," says David Golden, M.D., an associate professor of allergy and immunology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "Because we've found that the severity of an allergic reaction is related to the species of yellow jacket, it's important for people to understand that they can have wildly different reactions depending on which species stings them and that getting stung once without an allergic reaction does not guarantee that a more serious reaction will not happen with a later sting."

Published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the study by Golden and his research team involved 111 patients who had all tested allergic to yellow jackets. The researchers performed 175 test stings with two different species of yellow jackets and closely monitored the study participants for physical symptoms resulting from the stings, such as flushing, changes in vital signs, dizziness, shortness of breath and hives.

Over time Golden, whose original research goal was to find out why some people have allergic reactions to stings while others do not, began to notice that subjects were having fewer reactions to a particular species of yellow jacket, leading them to restructure and analyze the data they had collected at the three-year mark. They found that allergic reactions were much more common, and nastier, with the yellow jacket called Vespula maculifrons than with the one named Vespula germanica. These are the two most common species in the eastern United States, but most people can't tell them apart.

The researchers also checked whether yellow jacket stings were stronger at the end of the summer. They found that the stings in the first half of the summer caused the same number of allergic reactions as the stings in the last half of the summer. Once in July and then again in October, they also collected venoms from Vespula germanica and Vespula maculifrons, and tests showed no difference in the ability of the early- and late-summer venoms to cause allergic reactions.

The likelihood of a severe reaction was 41 percent in those who had a history of bad reactions and who were stung with Vespula maculifrons. Those who had only experienced mild sting reactions in the past and who were stung by Vespula germanica had only a 3 percent chance of an adverse subsequent reaction.

"Our results show that people who had the worst reactions in the past have the most to worry about from future stings," said Golden. "They shouldn't be fooled into thinking that they will be safe from all future stings just because they have no reaction to a particular yellow jacket sting."

Allergists recommend that those who are susceptible to severe reactions should be immunized to protect them against the allergy. Allergy shots with purified venoms (venom immunotherapy) give almost total protection from allergic reactions to stings.

Communications and Public Affairs
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Allergies Linked To Parkinson's Disease

2007-04-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Researchers from Mayo Clinic have discovered that allergic rhinitis is associated with the development of Parkinson's disease later in life. Findings will be published in the Aug. 8 issue of the journal Neurology.

"The association with Parkinson's disease is increased to almost three times that of someone who does not have allergic rhinitis," says James Bower, M.D., Mayo Clinic neurologist and lead study investigator. "That's actually a pretty high elevation."

Previous studies had shown that people who regularly take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. These results prompted the Mayo Clinic investigators to look further into the links between diseases characterized by inflammation and Parkinson's. They studied 196 people who developed Parkinson's disease, matched with people of similar age and gender who did not develop Parkinson's. The study was conducted in Olmsted County, Minn., home of Mayo Clinic, over a 20-year period.

The researchers examined these groups to determine if those who developed Parkinson's disease had more inflammatory diseases. They found that those with allergic rhinitis were 2.9 times more likely to develop Parkinson's. They did not find a similar association between inflammatory diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia or vitiligo and Parkinson's disease. The researchers hypothesize that they may not have found significant links between these diseases and Parkinson's disease due to the relatively small number of those in the population who have these diseases, and thus the small number with these diseases in their population sample study. They also did not find the same association with Parkinson's disease in patients with asthma that they discovered in those with allergic rhinitis.

Dr. Bower says that this study did not examine patients' types of allergies or when they developed allergies.

The investigators theorize that a tendency toward inflammation is the key link between the diseases.

"People with allergic rhinitis mount an immune response with their allergies, so they may be more likely to mount an immune response in the brain as well, which would produce inflammation," Dr. Bower says. "The inflammation produced may release certain chemicals in the brain and inadvertently kill brain cells, as we see in Parkinson's."

Dr. Bower explains that this study does not prove that allergies cause Parkinson's disease; instead, it points to an association between the two diseases. He advises that allergy patients can do little to reduce the potential risk for Parkinson's.

"I wouldn't worry if you have allergies," he says. "Treat the allergy symptoms you have to alleviate them at the time. At this point, we have no good evidence that this treatment will protect you from possibly developing Parkinson's disease later."

Dr. Bower and colleagues hope, however, that the clues in this study may give scientists a strong hint about inflammation's role in Parkinson's.

"This is exciting, because we may be able to develop medications to block the inflammation," he says.

Parkinson's is a complex disease, says Dr. Bower, because many factors can contribute to its development and its causes can differ. The complexity can be compared to heart attacks, which can be caused by hypertension, high cholesterol or smoking, among other factors. Thus, allergic rhinitis would now be considered one among many possible risk factors for development of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease affects nerve cells (neurons) in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. People with Parkinson's disease often experience trembling, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking, and problems with balance and coordination. These symptoms generally develop after age 50, although the disease also affects a small percentage of younger people. The normal lifetime risk to develop Parkinson's disease for men and women combined is 1.7 percent.

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Liai Scientists Identify Immune System Trigger For Fighting Lyme Disease

2007-04-15T19:33:00.001-07:00

Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology (LIAI) today announced an important finding on Lyme disease that could eventually lead to the development of a new vaccine to prevent this tick-borne disorder. Lyme disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes skin rashes. If left untreated, it can spread to the joints, the heart and the nervous system and can lead to serious health problems.

LIAI scientist Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D., and an international team of scientists, have identified that Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, contains a glycolipid which triggers an immune response from the body's natural killer (NK) T cells, a type of white blood cell. The finding is particularly exciting because it is one of the few glycolipids found to naturally induce an immune response from the body's NK T cells, which are prized for their ability to initiate a fast and vigorous attack against infection. Scientists are hopeful that this glycolipid can be used to create a vaccine against Lyme disease.

The finding was published today in the online version of the scientific journal Nature Immunology in a paper entitled, "Natural killer T cells recognize diacylglycerol antigens from pathogenic bacteria."

This was the second major finding on NK T cells published in the last year by Kronenberg and his team. In a June 2005 scientific paper in Nature , Kronenberg and colleagues identified a bacteria, Sphingomonas, as containing a glycolipid which also triggers an NK T cell response. Now that a total of three substances have been found to naturally activate the NK T cells, "it opens up the idea that we should be looking at many different types of bacteria that may be able to activate these cells," Kronenberg said.

Most white blood cells respond to foreign proteins to protect the body, but NK T cells are unique in that they respond to glycolipids, which are natural biochemicals made of linked fat and sugar. Prior to Kronenberg's findings, only one compound, developed by the Kirin Pharmaceutical Research company in the1990s, was known to activate the NK T cells. In a surprising twist, that compound was initially discovered in marine sponges. The compound was found to have anti-tumor activity and is currently in clinical trials for several tumor types. Because the NK T cells are known to be responsible for the tumor fighting mechanism induced by the marine sponge compound, and because their mechanism of action has been so mysterious, the NK T cells have generated increased research interest over the last several years.

In particular, scientists wanted to know what substance would naturally activate the NK T cells. "Although the synthetic compound was useful for many studies, we wanted to know what substance would normally cause the NK T cells to produce an immune response, and it was not believable that marine sponges normally stimulate our immune system," said Kronenberg, who is also LIAI's President and Scientific Director.

After identifying the Sphingomonas bacteria last year as an NK T cell activator, Kronenberg strongly suspected that other bacteria might also activate these cells, which led to the discovery of the Borrelia burgdorferi antigen. He believes many other types of bacteria may also produce an immune response from NK T cells. "This is an exciting possibility that needs to be further explored as it could lead to the development of vaccines or treatments for many bacteria caused diseases," he said.

Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute, Rockefeller University, the National Institutes of Health, Albany Medical College, Harvard Medical School, and Industrial Research Ltd of New Zealand also participated in the study.

About LIAI

Founded in 1988, the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology is a nonprofit medical research center dedicated to increasing knowledge and improving human health through studies of the immune system. Scientists at the institute carry out research searching for cures for cancer, allergy and asthma, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. LIAI's research staff includes more than 100 Ph.Ds.

http://www.liai.org.com

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

2007-04-15T18:37:00.001-07:00

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

2007-04-15T18:33:00.001-07:00

Are The Dangers Of Childhood Food Allergy Exaggerated?

2007-04-15T17:37:00.001-07:00

AERIUS Now Approved For Use In Intermittent And Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

2007-04-15T17:33:00.001-07:00

Nippon Paper Begins Test Farming Rice That Alleviates Hay Fever

2007-04-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

The Allergens And Irritants Behind Itchy Skin

2007-04-15T16:33:00.001-07:00

Cancer And Psoriasis can be aggravated by "Allergy Cells"

2007-04-15T15:36:00.001-07:00

The body's mast cells are mainly associated with allergic reaction in the way they release histamine and other inflammatory substances. However, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now demonstrated how the mast cells can also contribute to diseases like psoriasis and cancer.

Mast cells are most known for their association with allergic reactions, as they act like microscopic "bombs" to trigger the release of a number of substances that give rise to the classic allergic symptoms, such as swelling, congestion and itching. The explosive reactions are activated when an allergen (such as pollen particles) binds to receptors on the surface of the mast cell, which then opens and secretes part of its contents.

In the past few years it has emerged that mast cells, which are a type of immune cell, are probably also involved in the development of a number of other diseases, like atopical eczema, psoriasis, and the Hodgkins lymphoma cancer type. These diseases are characterised by chronic inflammations and an increase in the number of mast cells. However, the mechanisms behind this are relatively unknown.

Associate professor Gunner Nilsson at Karolinska Institutet and his research group have now found a possible explanation for the link between mast cells and several non-allergic diseases. The study, which is presented online by The Journal of Clinical Investigation, shows that mast cells can be activated in a previously unknown way that might lead to chronic inflammation.

"These new findings contribute to our understanding of the part played by the mast cell in atopical eczema, psoriasis and Hodgkins Lymphoma," says Mr Nilsson. "We hope that our research will make it possible for scientists to develop new forms of therapy for the mast cell-related diseases."

The group discovered that the CD30 protein, which is found on the surface of the immune systems T-lymphocytes amongst other places, can stimulate mast cells to release proteins that regulate the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Since it is already known that levels of CD30 are higher in people with psoriasis or atopical eczema and with Hodgkins lymphoma, the results can explain how the mast cells are activated and how they aggravate inflammation in these diseases.

###

Publication:

"Mast cell CD30 ligand is upregulated in cutaneous inflammation and mediates degranulation-independent chemokine secretion"

Marie Fischer, Ilkka Harvima, Ricardo Carvalho, Christine Moller, Anita Naukkarinen, Gunilla Enblad and Gunnar Nilsson.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation, Online 7 September 2006, October Issue 2006

For further information contact:

Associate professor Gunnar Nilsson
Department of Medicine, Solna

Contact: Katarina Sternudd
Karolinska Institutet

Sapporo Breweries And Sapporo Beverages Show Sapporo Drinks Alleviate Hay Fever Symptoms

2007-04-15T15:33:00.001-07:00

Sapporo Breweries Ltd., and Sapporo Beverages Co., Ltd. have proven that Sapporo beer is effective in mitigating hay fever symptoms. Hop flavonol glycoside extracted from the beer prevents histamine, an allergy-inducing substance.

Sapporo Group conducted a clinical trial of 20 patients with hay fever symptoms and found that 60% them noted less sneezing and 55% noted less runny nose with significant improvements on their symptom-medication scores.

Sapporo has filed a patent application based on the effect of beer on hay fever symptoms. Going forward, the Group will explore the affect of beer on atopy and allergy symptoms related to house dust.

By Aki Tsukioka, JCN Staff Writer

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

JCN

Studies Help Rank 50 Factors Influencing Child Allergy

2007-04-15T14:37:00.001-07:00

A workshop starting today will hear that a European Union funded research project has standardised 20 birth cohorts so that their findings can be used to appraise the contribution of different known factors influencing allergy in childhood. Dr Susanne Lau, who leads the work programme on birth cohorts in the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GAІLEN), will describe the achievements of her study.

A unique Europe-wide database tracking 50 factors that may have an affect on allergy in children will be presented on Tuesday, 12 September 2006. The announcement will be made at a workshop on birth cohort and intervention studies in Berlin (1).

The achievement is the initiative of GAІLEN, an EU-funded research "network of excellence" on allergies and asthma (2). Dr. Susanne Lau, who is responsible for the Birth Cohort project involving 30 researchers and their teams in centres throughout Europe, will present her work. She says: "Collaboration with so many European teams is a fantastic asset for the quality of our research projects and for the quality of their results. We'll be able to paint a much more accurate picture of key factors influencing allergies even if we can't make comparisons on prevalence and cause-effect relationships."

The significance of this scientific work by one of Europe's largest network on allergies and asthma has been acknowledged internationally. A research team in Australia have asked permission to use the European model for a database on allergies for the Asian-Pacific region.

Two scientific papers about 18 of the 20 harmonised birth cohorts on children and asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or eczema have recently appeared in Allergy journal. (3) The 30,000 children involved in these study groups, or birth cohorts, are spread through different countries in Europe, though most are living in urban areas. Many of the children continue to be involved in ongoing studies.

Not all 50 influencing factors are followed in all the harmonised birth cohorts. However, the huge new database means that larger sub-samples are available to medical scientists for analysis. This opens up new possibilities for greater accuracy in assessing not only the risks associated with the development of allergy but also the factors that may play a role in prevention. Some of influencing variables in the overall database are pet exposure, tobacco smoke exposure, number of siblings, atopic family history, housing conditions, delivery, medications, infections, and the results of allergen testing, such as IgE both in the child's blood and in the cord blood before the child was born.

One sub-sample provides the results of skin prick test for IgE of 1,000 children during the first six years of life. Each child was tested for grass, tree pollen, mite, cat, dog, cow's milk and hen's egg allergens. These results can be correlated with assessments of the symptoms associated with asthma (wheezing) and allergic rhinitis in the same sub-group. Information on symptoms is more generally available because most studies have used a standard questionnaire developed by a major international study known as ISAAC. (4) Both "parental perception of symptoms" and "doctor's diagnosis of asthma" are usually available.

One of the main objectives of GAІLEN is to spread excellence in the domain of research on allergy and asthma. Rising prevalence of allergic disease is a growing public health problem. (5) "This large, standardised data base, plus the harmonization of follow up procedures and study design, can increase the quality of the studies and therefore contribute to worldwide understanding of the factors influencing allergy diseases," Dr Lau says.

Joint workshop

The aim of the workshop (12-13 September) is to provide support to those planning and conducting both longitudinal birth cohort and intervention studies to investigate or prevent allergies and asthma. It is organised jointly with EuroPREVALL (6), an EU-funded research project on food allergies, based in Berlin where the workshop will take place.

EuroPREVALL is currently developing an intervention study of food allergies in during the first year of life. Recruitment began in October 2005 and eight centres are already active (Germany, Poland, Greece, the UK, the Netherlands, Iceland, Lithuania and Spain). Of the 4,000 infants being followed to date, 66 (1.5 per cent) have developed symptoms that may indicate a food-related allergy. Clinicians are following these children more closely, and for each child with symptoms, two age-matched controls will be given the allergen tests so that results can be compared.

About the GAІLEN

GAІLEN, "Global Allergy and Asthma European Network", is a Network of Excellence funded by the European Union under the 6th Framework Programme. GAІLEN leading research teams address all aspects of allergic diseases, including asthma, with a multidisciplinary approach. The objectives are to enhance the quality and integration in European research and to accelerate the application of results to clinical practice, patients' needs and policy development.

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M. D. Anderson, BCM, Launch Research Effort Targeting Asthma And Allergic Diseases

2007-04-15T14:33:00.001-07:00

A new research alliance focuses on a molecular master switch suspected of igniting the inflammatory immune response that drives asthma and other allergic diseases.

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine have launched the Texas Medical Center Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Center, funded by a $5.6 million five-year grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.

"We can manage asthma, but there is no cure. Finding the cause of asthma is a fundamental question in immunology," said principal investigator Yong Jun Liu, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Immunology at M. D. Anderson. "The molecule we are studying, known as TSLP, appears to represent a very, very early trigger between allergens that find their way into the lungs and asthma."

"This program is focused on trying to delineate the mechanisms by which viruses and allergens are able to initiate and drive the allergic response and progression of asthma," said Dr. David Huston, professor of immunology at BCM , director of the college's Biology of Inflammation Center, and co-principal investigator. "It's probably the hottest area right now in the study of allergic diseases."

The incidence and severity of asthma, a debilitating and potentially life-threatening constriction and inflammation of the airways, has increased over the past 20 years, with more than 155 million people affected in developed countries alone.

Earlier research by Liu established that inhalation of allergens, such as pollen or viruses, sets off production of TSLP in the lining of the lungs (epithelial cells) and by specialized cells known as mast cells. TSLP then launches a molecular cascade that results in overproduction of the immune system T cell known as Th2, a known culprit in the inflammation that causes chronic asthma.

"Th2 is an important, heavily studied T cell that causes asthma," Liu said. "Our question is what induces and maintains Th2?"

By nailing down the details of this process, the investigators expect to generate new therapeutic targets for allergic disease and asthma. Liu expects drug development to begin late in the five-year grant period and extend beyond that.

The program is divided into four research efforts, starting with a project led by Huston that examines the mechanisms of TSLP expression by the epithelial and mast cells in human lungs.

Project two focuses on how TSLP then activates dendritic cells, key players in the immune system that engulf intruding antigens and present key portions of the intruder to T cells (Th2), which in turn help generate an antibody response. Li-yuan Yu-lee, Ph.D., professor of medicine at BCM, leads this project, on which Margie Moczygemba, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine at BCM is co-investigator.

Project three, led by Liu, examines how the TSLP-generated dendritic cells in turn propagate Th2 effector and memory cells.

Project 4, led by Chen Dong, Ph.D., associate professor of immunology at M. D. Anderson, examines how inflammatory T helper cells then upregulate TSLP, perpetuating the inflammatory cycle.

Huston heads the project's clinical research core, which includes Drs. Nick Hanania, Robert Atmar, Pedro Piedra, and Robert Couch, at BCM. Liu leads the analytical and administrative cores. All four research projects also will require close interaction, Liu said.

Steve Ziegler, Ph.D., director of the Immunology Program at the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason in Seattle, is co-investigator on projects 1 and 2. Ziegler is an expert on using mouse models to understand the biology of TSLP.

Immunological research at M. D. Anderson focuses on priming the immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Inflammation also is involved in cancer development and growth, Liu said.

"In some cancers, the microenvironment that the tumor creates around itself looks like an allergic type of inflammation," Liu said. "We need to understand this type of inflammation so we can design ways to block it in the tumor microenvironment, because it promotes tumor growth.

"While M. D. Anderson's focus is not on allergies and asthma, Dr. Huston is one of the best physicians in the country for allergic disease and has a strong research program," said Liu. "Our teams are complementary to each other's expertise. This is an exciting cooperative program and both institutions will gain from this collaboration."

In addition to several shared clinical and cancer-related research projects, this is the second major research collaboration established between M. D. Anderson and Baylor College of Medicine to study a disease other than cancer. In 2002, the two institutions formed the Bone Disease Program of Texas, which focuses on the study of osteoporosis and the treatment of bone disease.

The two institutions launched a joint neurosurgery program in June 2005, with Dr. Raymond Sawaya, M.D., chair of the of M. D. Anderson Neurosurgery Department for 15 years, also appointed chair of the Baylor College of Medicine Department.

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Contact: Laura Madden-Fuentes of Baylor College of Medicine

Contact: Scott Merville
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Impaired Sleep Quality And Allergic Rhinitis Linked

2007-04-15T13:37:00.001-07:00

Patients with allergic rhinitis, such as that caused by hay fever and other allergies, have more difficulty sleeping and more sleep disorders than those without allergies, according to a report in the September 18 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, a theme issue on sleep.

Allergic rhinitis, which occurs when pollen or other allergens irritate and inflame the nasal passages, affects about 20 to 50 percent of the population, according to background information in the article. Allergies have been shown to affect quality of life and several studies have suggested that they may contribute to snoring and breathing problems during sleep, including sleep apnea, a temporary halt to breathing. However, few researchers have closely examined sleep disorders in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Damien Leger, M.D., of Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, and colleagues explored the association between allergic rhinitis and sleep in 591 patients (47 percent men, 53 percent women, average age 34) who had the condition for at least one year and who were being treated by an allergist or by an ear, nose and throat specialist. A control group of 502 individuals who were the same age and sex and lived in the same area, but did not have allergic rhinitis, was also assessed. In 2002, all participants reported sleep disorders and rated their sleepiness; they also provided details regarding demographics, socioeconomic status and smoking habits. For patients with allergic rhinitis, researchers recorded the type of allergies, the duration of the condition, symptoms experienced and treatments used, as well as the presence and treatment of any additional allergic disorders.

All sleep disorders and complaints--including insomnia, waking up during the night, snoring and feeling fatigued when awakening--were more common in those with allergic rhinitis, who also slept fewer hours, took longer to fall asleep and more often felt sleepy during the day. Among the 591 patients with allergic rhinitis, 41.6 percent (vs. 18.3 percent of those without allergic rhinitis) reported difficulty falling asleep, 63.2 percent said they felt they lacked adequate sleep (compared with 25.4 percent of controls) and 35.8 percent (vs. 16 percent of controls) reported insomnia. "The results show a significant impact of allergic rhinitis on all dimensions of sleep quality and, consequently, a lower quality of life as reflected by more somnolence [sleepiness]; daytime fatigue and sleepiness; and impaired memory, mood and sexuality, with a significantly increased consumption of alcohol and sedatives in cases compared with the control group," the authors write.

The effects of allergic rhinitis on sleep became more pronounced when the condition was moderate to severe. As allergies worsened, individuals slept fewer hours at night, felt sleepy more often during the day, took longer to fall asleep and found it more necessary to take sedative drugs.

All types of physicians, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists and ear, nose and throat specialists, should question patients with allergic rhinitis about their sleep habits and difficulties, the authors conclude. "This could lead to early detection and treatment of sleep disorders in these patients," they write. "Treating allergic rhinitis or other nasal symptoms may improve dramatically the quality of sleep. In the long term, such a strategy would have positive repercussions on a societal level; for example, the numbers of road and work accidents would be reduced. Considering the high incidence of allergic rhinitis and the high rate of associated sleep disorders, the issue is one of public health."

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(Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1744-1748.)

This study was supported by the Department of Epidemiology, GlaxoSmithKline Laboratory. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

Contact: Damien Leger
JAMA and Archives Journals

ActoGenix Raises 11.5 Million Euro's In Series A Stock Financing

2007-04-15T13:33:00.001-07:00

ActoGeniX NV, a recently founded biopharmaceutical company, announced the successful closing of its Series A financing round, raising €11.5 million (US$15 million) from a syndicate of leading life sciences investors. The transaction was co-led by GIMV (Antwerp, Belgium) and Life Sciences Partners (LSP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), with Biotech Fund Flanders also participating. ActoGeniX is a spin-off from the Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology (VIB) and Ghent University and was founded last June with seed capital from GIMV, VIB and individuals of the management team.

This financing will allow ActoGeniX to initiate development of a pipeline of therapeutic products based on its TopActTM technology platform. TopActTM is a proprietary delivery system comprising living non-pathogenic micro-organisms for the oral administration of biopharmaceuticals. VIB and Ghent University, the original inventors of this technology, transferred to ActoGeniX the TopActTM patent portfolio. ActoGeniX' products will address a broad range of diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, auto-immunity, allergy and metabolic diseases. The Company's lead product for the treatment of Crohn's disease has already been successfully tested in patients.

Dr. Mark Vaeck, who joined the company as CEO, brings considerable experience in the start-up and growth of biotech businesses in Europe and the USA. In his former position, as the co-founder and CEO of Ablynx NV (Ghent, Belgium) he raised €30 million in equity financing and concluded several corporate deals with major pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Bernard Coulie joins ActoGeniX as Vice President Research & Development coming from Johnson & Johnson Europe where he held the position of Therapeutic Area Leader Internal Medicine. Dr. Lothar Steidler, the principal inventor of the TopAct technology, will become Director Technology Development at ActoGeniX.

Commenting on the financing, Mark Vaeck said: 'I am delighted with the completion of this successful financing round, which provides ActoGeniX from the start with a substantial amount of money from high-quality and knowledgeable biotech investors, which is a clear endorsement of the future potential of this company. ActoGeniX is now well-positioned to execute its ambitious business plan and quickly build a valuable portfolio of preclinical and clinical-stage products based on its proprietary TopActTM platform.'

'We have built a proprietary position around the TopAct technology and products and we are glad to be able to transfer this platform into the hands of an experienced management team, supported by highly reputed international venture capital funds' said Rudy Dekeyser, vice-general director of VIB. 'We strongly believe that Actogenix will successfully apply this platform to develop innovative therapeutics for the benefit of its shareholders and the benefit of patients worldwide.'

Patrick Van Beneden, Director Life Sciences of GIMV added: 'We see Actogenix as one of the more promising companies that recently have been started here in Flanders. The combination of world class science, experienced management and strong financial backing should be the ingredients for a life sciences company that will develop new medical treatments for large unmet medical needs like Crohn's disease and other gastrointestinal disorders.'

'We see ActoGeniX as an interesting investment opportunity in our home market based on excellent science and with broad applicability of the technology platform,' said Martijn Kleijwegt, Managing Partner of Life Sciences Partners. 'The availability of clinical data, as is the case for ActoGeniX' lead program, is something that is rarely seen in such start-up initiatives. We are excited to be part of this venture and look forward to working with the management team to make this a success.'

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Contact: Sooike Stoops
VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology

Food Allergies An American Obsession?

2007-04-15T12:37:00.001-07:00

Food allergies are increasingly top-of-mind for many Americans. In fact, one out of every three people in this country claim to have a food allergy of one kind or another.* But the science doesn't support these fears. Government and medical association estimates put the actual incident rate at only between one in 25 and one in 70.

Parents are one of the groups most concerned about food allergies, especially as kids go back to school and eat more meals away from home. In many cases, they're also ill-informed about the differences between allergies and intolerances, and the proper course of treatment for each. A new survey conducted among California parents last month reveals that many are self-diagnosing food allergies and eliminating nutrient-rich foods from their child's diet without seeing a doctor first.

"Medical self-diagnosis is risky business," says Dr. Stuart Epstein, Beverly Hills Allergist, Associate Clinical Professor David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Attending Allergist. "Without professional advice, suffering is almost always extended and important foods eliminated unnecessarily."

And milk is often the "fall guy." In fact, nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents surveyed in this recent Omnibus Poll admitted to eliminating -- or limiting their children's intake -- of milk at the first sign of problems, believing dairy products to be at least partially responsible for their symptoms.

"Parents are sometimes quick to point the finger at cow's milk when their child comes down with unexplained symptoms like intestinal problems or allergic reactions," stresses Dr. Epstein. "Eliminating milk from your diet, especially a child's diet, without talking to your doctor first, is not a smart idea."

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement last week urging parents not to eliminate dairy foods from their children's diet for lactose intolerance reasons. Dairy foods like milk are an important source of calcium and other nutrients that facilitate growth during a critical bone building time.

Americans often confuse food allergies with food sensitivities or intolerances. An allergy is a specific condition that involves immune response, where as an intolerance -- like lactose intolerance -- is very rare among young people. Medical experts like Dr. Epstein recommend seeking medical attention at the first sign of a problem.

From August 14th to 22nd Market Tools surveyed 551 California parents online to gauge food allergy and lactose intolerance awareness and milk allergies as a health concern for their children.

Key Findings:

- Sixty-three percent (63%) of California parents eliminate milk from their child's diet at the first sign of a food-related health issue.

- Forty percent (40%) of parents do not consult a doctor before eliminating foods from their child's diet.

About the CMPB

The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of GOT MILK? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. GOT MILK? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. GOT MILK? gifts and recipes can be viewed at http://www.gotmilk.com. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

-- National Institute of Health, Food Allergy Citation & Incidence Rates, pp 1-2, http://www.nih.org.

-- Paajanen L et al. Cow milk not responsible for most gastrointestinal immune-like syndromes -- evidence from a population-based study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 82:1327-1235.

-- Heyman, Melvin B., M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children and Adolescents (Pediatrics, 2006;118:1279-1286).

The California Milk Processor Board
http://www.gotmilk.com

Allergy-free Cats For Sale At $3,950 Each

2007-04-15T12:33:00.001-07:00

If you are allergic to cats, would like to have one and have $3,950 spare, this may be your lucky day. Allerca Inc., California, USA, says it has managed to breed the world's first hypoallergenic cats. People who are allergic to cats and buy one of these will not experience sneezing, red and itchy eyes or asthma - except in very acute cases.

The company says that as soon as the news got out people rushed to place orders and now there is a waiting list.

The company tested thousands of cats, looking for those tiny few that do not have glycoprotein Fel d1. Glycoprotein Fel d1 is what triggers allergic reactions in humans - it can be found in the fur, pelt, saliva, serum, urine, mucous, salivary glands, and hair roots of the cat. On finding a decent number of cats that did not carry glycoprotein Fel d1, the scientists selectively bred them.

The kittens of these selectively chosen cats do not produce human allergic reactions - they are hypoallergenic cats.

The company stressed that their cats are not the result of genetic engineering. About one in 50,000 cats do not carry Glycoprotein Fel d1 - it was a question of finding them and breeding them, there was no genetic modification.

It is estimated that about one third of all humans are allergic to cats. The market for hypoallergenic pets could be huge.

The company says its cats are friendly, playful and affectionate. They have cats in several coat colours and patterns. The coat is "medium-long, with low maintenance and minimal shedding."

Symptoms of Cat Allergy

Eyes
-- eyes become red, itchy and watery, and/or swollen

Nose
-- nose may be itchy, runny and congested, the patient may sneeze a lot

Ears
-- ears can become itchy and/or plugged (blocked)

Throat
-- nasal drip may make its way down to the throat. The throat can feel sore. The patient may often clear his/her throat. He/she may also experience hoarseness.

Skin
-- skin can be itchy, with rashes or hives

Lungs
-- patient may cough frequently, wheeze, experience tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and often suffer from bronchitis

http://www.allerca.com

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

Allergic Rhinitis Associated With Decline In Work And School Performance

2007-04-15T11:37:00.001-07:00

Allergic rhinitis (AR), more commonly known as "hay fever" can have a profound impact on the daily lives of sufferers beyond its physical effect -- including psychological well-being, sleep quality, and ability to learn and process cognitive input, according to a new article scheduled to appear in the on-line issue of Allergy and Asthma Proceedings.

"The Burden of Allergic Rhinitis," authored by Robert A. Nathan, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, provides an overview of the impact of AR in our society based on findings in the landmark 2006 Allergies in America Survey (AIA) and other noteworthy surveys and studies conducted in the US and Europe. In his article, Dr. Nathan describes the negative cascade of events that adults and children can experience as a result of this condition.

"Nasal congestion profoundly affects quality of life, largely by undermining the restorative power of sleep. Poor-quality sleep leads to daytime drowsiness, fatigue, indecision and significant impairment in learning and cognition," he writes. "As a result, adults become moody, less efficient, and more likely to experience work-related injury; children are prone to be shy and may also become depressed, anxious or fearful."

Consequently, presenteeism (decreased productivity at work due to illness) and school absenteeism (habitual absence) escalate.

Lack of Effectiveness of Currently Available Intranasal Sprays

While intranasal corticosteroids are the gold standard for symptom control, patients report problems with effectiveness of currently available options. Only 16 percent of respondents in the AIA survey indicated that intranasal corticosteroids provide relief for all their symptoms, and almost half (48 percent) said they fail to provide 24-hour symptom relief.

"Patients self-adjust their use of over-the-counter and prescription products, but find that currently available options do not always provide the 24-hour relief, and if they do, there are bothersome side effects," explains Dr. Nathan. Consequently, the author concludes that there is a need for new nasal allergy medications that provide complete 24-hour symptom relief that is sustained over time.

About Allergies in America Survey

The Allergies in America survey is a landmark survey sponsored by ALTANA Pharma US, Inc. and is the largest survey ever conducted in a population of allergic rhinitis sufferers and healthcare practitioners. Analysis of the data from the 2,500 allergy sufferers and 400 physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants provides a window into to the behavioral and psychosocial effects of AR.

Asthma & Allergy Associates
http://www.texallergy.com/locations.htm

Model Homes Offer National IAQ Impact Results

2007-04-15T11:33:00.001-07:00

Airborne contaminants in homes can range from allergic agents such as mold to potentially lethal threats such as carbon monoxide. Engineers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a database of U.S. residential housing* to help conduct nationwide analyses of ventilation, air cleaning or moisture control strategies to reduce indoor air pollution.

Most people presume that the indoor air quality (IAQ) measures that rid one house of airborne contaminants should work in a similar house, but when it comes to ranking, on a regional or national scale, potentially expensive residential code or construction changes, housing and health authorities as well as homebuilders want more than conventional wisdom and supposition. They want data, and a lot of it. The new NIST set of more than 200 residential dwellings, representing 80 percent of the United States housing stock, can be combined with a computer simulation technique to determine the impacts of IAQ interventions.

NIST developed its database of model homes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Housing Survey (AHS) and the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RSECS). They then selected 209 dwellings as representative of 80 percent of U.S. housing stock. The homes, grouped into four categories--detached, attached, manufactured homes and apartments, were defined by their age, floor area, number of floors, foundation type and existence of a garage.

The engineers then developed floor plans for each house and created a model of each in NIST's multizone indoor air quality and ventilation assessment computer program, CONTAM. Analysts can use the models to simulate and examine energy, IAQ and human exposure issues in a particular type of dwelling or all the dwellings as a group. Conclusions drawn from simulations with a particular house type should be valid for similar houses on a nationwide or regional level. The current multizone representations of the 209 dwellings created with CONTAM are available at http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/IAQanalysis along with floorplans of the buildings. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsored this work.

###

*A. Persily, A. Musser and D. Leber. A collection of homes to represent the U.S. housing stock. NISTIR 7330, August 2006.

Contact: John Blair
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

GMOs And Allergies: Tests May Help Answer Questions

2007-04-15T10:37:00.001-07:00

The potential of genetically engineered foods to cause allergic reactions in humans is a big reason for opposition to such crops. Although protocols are in place to ask questions about the allergy-causing possibilities, there has been no test that offers definitive answers.

But all of that could change as a Michigan State University researcher has developed the first animal model to test whether genetically engineered foods could cause human allergic reactions. Venu Gangur, MSU assistant professor of food science and human nutrition, has received a $447,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to validate the test.

Genetically engineered crops are created by inserting a protein from a different organism into the original crop's genome. This is usually done to create a plant that is more resistant to insects or diseases.

The Food and Agriculture Organization within the World Health Organization has a structured approach to determining whether genetically engineered foods cause allergies, according to Gangur, who also is a faculty member in the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center. "But it has a major flaw. A critical question in that process asks, 'Does the protein cause an allergic reaction in animals?' The problem is that there has been no good animal model available to test this."

Gangur and students in his lab have developed a mouse model - the first of its kind - to test the allergy-causing potential of genetically engineered foods. He'll use the EPA grant to examine whether the model works on a variety of proteins. If successfully validated, the testing could be available commercially in about five years.

Perhaps the best known case of a genetically engineered crop potentially causing allergies was StarLink corn. Created by Aventis in 1996, StarLink contained the cry9C protein from a common soil bacterium, a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis. The cry9C protein protected the corn from several types of corn borers and black cutworms. StarLink was approved by the EPA for use in animal feed and nonfood products in 1998. But in 2000, fragments of cry9C DNA were detected in taco shells and other food products.

"Many people believed that StarLink was responsible for their asthma attacks and other allergic reactions," Gangur said. "The Centers for Disease Control took samples and tried to figure out if StarLink was the cause, but the data were inconclusive. There was really no good method to determine if StarLink caused allergic reactions. This is why our model will be such a valuable tool. We'll be able to determine the allergenic potential of genetically engineered crops before they're released into the human or animal food chain."

###

Robert Tempelman, MSU professor of animal science and statistics and probability, is the project's co-investigator.

Gale Strasburg, chairperson of the MSU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition; and Jim Pestka and Maurice Bennink, MSU professors of food science and human nutrition, also are participating in the project.

The research of Gangur, Tempelman, Pestka and Bennink is supported by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.

url: http://newsroom.msu.edu/site/indexer/2864/content.htm

Contact: Sue Nichols
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Flu Vaccine Recommended For People With Asthma

2007-04-15T10:33:00.001-07:00

With flu season just around the corner, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is recommending that people with asthma and other chronic health conditions receive a flu vaccination as soon as possible.

Each year, millions of people in the United States get influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36,000 people per year in the United States die from influenza, and over 200,000 people have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of the flu.

Influenza is typically spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing via respiratory droplets. If someone with the flu coughs on you, there is a high chance you will develop flu symptoms within four days after the initial exposure to that person. Common flu symptoms include:

-- Fever
-- Muscle aches and tenderness
-- Headache
-- Fatigue
-- Dry cough
-- Sore throat
-- Runny nose

"Symptoms of influenza can be especially severe for patients with respiratory diseases, such as asthma," said Richard A. Nicklas, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the AAAAI's Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment Interest Section. "In severe cases, influenza can cause pneumonia, may require hospitalization and sometimes can be fatal.

" Research has found that the flu vaccine decreases the risk of asthma exacerbations in patients by as much as 22% to 41%. In addition, it can also protect against acute asthma exacerbations in children. Vaccinating all children with asthma could prevent up to 78% of asthma hospitalizations and emergency room visits during influenza seasons.

The flu season usually ranges from November through March, and peaks in December, January and February. It takes approximately two weeks to develop immunity from the vaccine so it is important to get vaccinated each fall in October or November, before the flu season begins.

Contrary to popular belief, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. If you feel sick with flu-like symptoms after being vaccinated, you may have caught another respiratory virus or already had the flu virus in your system when you received the vaccine.

Discuss any questions that you may have regarding influenza or the flu vaccine with your physician. For more information, visit the AAAAI Web site, http://www.aaaai.org, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/nip/flu, or call the CDC Immunization Hot Line at (800) 232-2522.

The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:

-- Need to confirm the diagnosis of asthma
-- Need education on asthma and guidance in techniques for self-management.
-- Need for daily asthma reliever medications
-- Are not using medications as prescribed, and this is limiting their ability to control their asthma
-- Have potentially fatal asthma, meaning a prior severe, life threatening episode that included intubation

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, call the AAAAI Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at http://www.aaaai.org/physref/.

The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at http://www.aaaai.org.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
http://www.aaaai.org

New England Journal OF MEDICINE Reports Positive Results From Dynavax' Ragweed Allergy Therapy Trial

2007-04-15T09:36:00.001-07:00

The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (Vol. 355, October 5, 2006, No.14), today reported that a new approach to allergy therapy not only reduced the acute allergic responses of individuals with ragweed allergies but also sustained that effect for over 12 months. The novel treatment, called "AIC" in the paper, is a TLR9 agonist linked to ragweed allergen, developed by Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: DVAX).

Dr. Peter Creticos, principal investigator and lead author of the paper, entitled, "Immunotherapy with a Ragweed-Toll-like Receptor 9 Agonist Vaccine for Allergic Rhinitis," said that the pilot study "appears to offer a means of achieving long-term clinical efficacy in ragweed allergic rhinitis as the clinical effects suggest the induction of long-lasting disease modification. Furthermore, the demonstrated therapeutic properties and safety pave the way for a therapeutic intervention that is qualitatively superior to standard immunotherapy." Dr. Creticos is Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Director of the Division of Clinical Immunology of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He serves as Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

In the paper, Dr. Creticos pointed to statistically significant efficacy results including peak Nasal Symptom Complex Score (NSCS) reductions in AIC-treated patients of 55% (p=0.03) in 2001 which persisted through the 2002 ragweed season (53% reduction in NSCS, p=0.02) with no additional therapy. Additionally, the AIC-treated group used no relief medication at all during the second season, while placebo patients used antihistamines for 8 days (average) and decongestants for 4 days (average) of the two-week peak season. The intervention also generated clinically significant quality of life improvements for patients. Dr. Creticos added that the intervention was safely tolerated as no treatment-associated serious adverse reactions were reported, nor did any lab tests show abnormalities in the patients tested.

With funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Immune Tolerance Network, and the study drug provided by Dynavax, Dr. Creticos conducted a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial in 25 ragweed allergic patients beginning in May 2001 and concluding in October, 2002. Patients were treated with either the drug or placebo, using a 6-injection regimen, prior to the first ragweed season, and were followed for two years. Dynavax supplied the study drug, now known as TOLAMBA(TM), and contributed to trial design, but did not participate in data accrual, analysis, or funding of the trial. TOLAMBA, consisting of a TLR9 agonist linked to a specific ragweed allergen, is currently being evaluated in late-stage clinical trials for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

DYNAVAX Clinical Trials Update

In the paper, Dr. Creticos recommends additional large-scale studies, which are now underway at Dynavax. Since the reported study's initiation in 2001, Dynavax has generated a substantial amount of data in 14 clinical trials in the U.S., France, and Canada. More than 7,000 TOLAMBA injections have been administered to over 1,100 patients. In these trials, TOLAMBA was shown to be safe and well tolerated, to provide measurable improvements in allergy symptoms, and to reduce medication use.

TOLAMBA consists of 1018 ISS, a TLR9 agonist, linked to the purified major allergen of ragweed, called Amb a 1. The linking of ISS to Amb a 1 ensures that both ISS and ragweed allergen are presented simultaneously to the same immune cells, producing a highly specific and potent effect suppressing the Th2 cells responsible for inflammation associated with ragweed allergy. Moreover, this treatment reprograms the immune response away from the Th2 response and toward a Th1 memory response so that, upon subsequent natural exposure to the ragweed allergen, long-term protection is achieved.

Other Clinical Results; Trial Background

A Dynavax-funded, 30-center, placebo-controlled study in 738 ragweed allergic subjects, aged 18 to 55 years, is expected to produce interim data at one-year in the first quarter of 2007. The study known as "DARTT" (Dynavax Allergic Rhinitis TOLAMBA Trial) randomized subjects into three arms: the same dosing regimen that was used in the completed Phase 2/3 trial; a higher total dose regimen; and placebo. Subjects received six doses over six weeks prior to the start of the 2006 ragweed season. Ragweed symptoms were followed over the 2006 ragweed season and will also be followed through the 2007 season. The primary endpoint is reduction in total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) during the second (2007) peak ragweed season. Dynavax anticipates that data from the DARTT interim analysis, if positive, combined with the safety and efficacy data from the recently completed two-year Phase 2/3 trial, and from an ongoing trial in ragweed allergic children, could provide sufficient patient data for determining the potential timeline to registration for the intervention.

Additionally, Dynavax is evaluating TOLAMBA in a three-year, 19-center, pediatric trial with over 300 patients, ages six to 15 years. The primary endpoint of the study is reduction in TNSS during the 2006 peak ragweed season; a key secondary endpoint is the prevention of progression to asthma. The study was initiated in early 2005. Primary endpoint data for the study is expected in early 2007.

In January 2006, Dynavax announced that results from a two-year Phase 2/3 clinical trial of TOLAMBA showed that patients treated with TOLAMBA experienced a statistically significant 28.5% reduction in total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) compared to placebo-treated patients in the second year of the trial (p=0.024). Results also showed significant clinical benefit relative to secondary endpoints, including composite hay fever symptoms and ocular effects, and a significant reduction in antihistamine use (p=0.01). These results were achieved after a single short course of therapy prior to the first ragweed season (2004), and demonstrated that a booster dose prior to the second season (2005) was not required to achieve clinical benefit. The safety profile of TOLAMBA was favorable; systemic side effects were indistinguishable from placebo and local injection site tenderness was minor and transient.

TOLAMBA represents the foundation of a comprehensive allergy franchise for Dynavax, and has the potential to be a novel entrant in the multibillion- dollar global allergy market. In the U.S. alone, approximately 40 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis. Ragweed is the single most common seasonal allergen, affecting up to 75% of those with allergic rhinitis, or 30 million Americans. Current therapeutic options are mainly limited to symptomatic therapies and conventional allergy immunotherapy, which generally requires 60-90 shots over three to five years and represents a significant treatment burden for allergy sufferers. Dynavax believes that TOLAMBA has the potential to become the first of several new and important disease-modifying therapeutic options for patients and physicians.

About Dynavax

Dynavax Technologies Corporation discovers, develops, and intends to commercialize innovative TLR9 agonist-based products to treat and prevent allergies, infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic inflammatory diseases using versatile, proprietary approaches that alter immune system responses in highly specific ways. Our clinical development programs are based on immunostimulatory sequences, or ISS, which are short DNA sequences that enhance the ability of the immune system to fight disease and control chronic inflammation. Dynavax's pipeline includes: TOLAMBA, a ragweed allergy therapeutic, for which a major safety and efficacy trial (DARTT) is currently underway, and that is in a supportive clinical trial in ragweed allergic children; HEPLISAV(TM), a hepatitis B vaccine in Phase 3; and a therapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Phase 2. Its preclinical asthma and COPD programs are partnered with AstraZeneca. Funding for the company's other preclinical programs in cancer, hepatitis B and hepatitis C therapies, and for an influenza vaccine have been provided by Symphony Dynamo and NIH, and represent future partnering opportunities. Preliminary data from the study published today in the NEJM were previously reported at the AAAAI 2003 annual meeting. For more information, please visit http://www.dynavax.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements about our clinical development plans and timelines, business plans, future operating results, intellectual property position and potential sources of funds. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this presentation due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, including difficulties or delays in development, achieving the objectives of our collaborative and licensing agreements and obtaining regulatory approval for our products; the scope and validity of patent protection for our products; competition from other companies; our ability to obtain additional financing to support our operations; and other risks detailed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to revise or update information herein to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.

Dynavax Technologies Corporation
http://www.dynavax.com

Ragweed Allergy Vaccine Effective For At Least One Year

2007-04-15T09:33:00.001-07:00

A new vaccine trial has been shown to protect people from ragweed pollen allergy for at least one year, according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. This experimental treatment requires just six injections, once a week. Current treatments require taking several medications each day throughout the ragweed season.
Allergic reactions to plant pollens are commonly known as Hay Fever

Trial researchers said further studies have to be carried out on a larger group of volunteers.

Study author, Dr. Peter Socrates Creticos, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, USA, and team, expanded on studies that had been carried out at the University of California, San Diego, which discovered that a bacterium DNA sequence shuts down Th2 (T-helper) cell activity - an inflammatory immune system response. Th2 is commonly found to be a major factor in human allergic responses.

To create a new vaccine the team attached the DNA sequence that halts Th2 response to a portion of the ragweed pollen. Th2 cells often overreact to ragweed pollen - the new vaccine stops the Th2 from overreacting.

The Th2 cells of people who are allergic to ragweed make the body produce igE, which causes the watery eyes and sneezing. The vaccine stops the Th2 cells from sending signals which make the body produce IgE when exposed to ragweed.

The problem with current allergy medications is that they are not well targeted. Current medications have side effects because they undermine the body's immune system. This new vaccine is finely targeted - there are fewer side effects, say the researchers.

Twenty-five volunteers, aged 23-60, took part in this pilot trial,. All of them suffered from ragweed allergy. 14 were given six injections with the new vaccine, one each week consecutively. The other 11 were given a placebo injection, once a week for six weeks. Both groups started treatment before the ragweed season began.

Allergy symptoms during the ragweed season were 60% lower for the 14 who received the new vaccine, compared to the placebo group. Allergy relief continued during the next season, a year later (no additional treatment had been given).

Ragweed Allergy - Some Facts

The ragweed pollen season runs from August to November. Most areas in the USA see a peak in ragweed pollen levels in mid-September. Pollen counts tend to peak between 5am to 10am.

If you suffer from ragweed pollen allergy

-- Try to stay indoors between 5am to 10am - unless there has been some heavy rain
-- Try to keep the windows of your home and car closed
-- Avoid using fans
-- If your allergy is severe, remember that people can bring the pollen into the home on their clothing
-- Pets can bring the pollen in
-- Avoid drying your clothes by hanging them outside

Symptoms

-- eye irritation
-- inflamed, itchy nose and throat
-- puffy eyes
-- runny nose
-- sneezing
-- stuffy nose
If your allergy is more severe, symptoms may also include the following:
-- asthma attacks
-- chronic sinusitis
-- headaches
-- impaired sleep

Immunotherapy with a Ragweed-Toll-Like Receptor 9 Agonist Vaccine for Allergic Rhinitis
Peter S. Creticos, M.D., John T. Schroeder, Ph.D., Robert G. Hamilton, Ph.D., Susan L. Balcer-Whaley, M.P.H., Arouna P. Khattignavong, M.D., Robert Lindblad, M.D., Henry Li, M.D., Ph.D., Robert Coffman, Ph.D., Vicki Seyfert, Ph.D., Joseph J. Eiden, M.D., Ph.D., David Broide, M.B., Ch.B., and the Immune Tolerance Network Group
NEJM Volume 355:1445-1455 - October 5, 2006 - Number 14
Click here to see abstract online

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today

Allergy Sufferers Offered Longer Relief With Fewer Shots Using Experimental Ragweed Therapy

2007-04-15T08:38:00.001-07:00

Americans accustomed to the seasonal misery of sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes caused by ragweed pollen might one day benefit from an experimental allergy treatment that not only requires fewer injections than standard immunotherapy, but leads to a marked reduction in symptoms that persists for at least a year after therapy has stopped, according to a new study in the October 5 issue of i The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The research was sponsored by the Immune Tolerance Network, which is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), both components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.

"As many as 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies caused by airborne pollens produced by grasses, trees and weeds," says NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. "Finding new therapies for allergy sufferers is certainly an important research goal."

"This innovative research holds great promise for helping people with allergies," says NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "A short course of immunotherapy that reduces allergic symptoms over an extended period of time will significantly improve the quality of life for many people."

Ragweed is one of the most common pollens in the United States and is prevalent in the Northeast, Midwest and the South. In Baltimore, where the NEJM study was conducted, the ragweed pollen season lasts from mid-August to October.

Physicians treat people suffering from mild and moderate ragweed allergies with antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids. However, when people with allergies do not respond to these treatments or experience severe symptoms, the next therapeutic option is a course of subcutaneous injections of the allergen, which is called allergen immunotherapy. Although this standard immunotherapy is often effective, it has two major drawbacks. First, it can cause systemic allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, a hypersensitivity reaction that can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening physical symptoms. Second, to provide long-lasting relief, standard immunotherapy may require frequent injections over a 3- to 5-year period. The large number of injections over such an extended period of time often results in many people not completing the treatment.

In the study detailed in NEJM, lead investigator Peter Creticos, M.D., medical director of the Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center in Baltimore, and his research team found that an investigational therapy based on the major ragweed allergen, Amb a 1, coupled to a unique short, synthetic sequence of DNA that stimulates the immune system, reduced allergy symptoms in adults for at least one year when given just once a week over a 6-week period. The therapeutic agent was provided by Dynavax Technologies Corp., based in Berkeley, CA.

"For almost 100 years, we've been using the tedious process of giving allergy sufferers one to two shots a week for up to 4 to 5 years to ensure its success," Dr. Creticos says. "This study is an important immunotherapy advance in that we've shown you can induce long-lasting relief from allergic rhinitis with just a few weeks of injections."

The study initially involved 25 adult volunteers, ages 23 to 60, with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis, positive skin test reactions to ragweed pollen, and an immediate reaction when nasally challenged with ragweed. Prior to the start of the 2001 fall ragweed season, the study participants received six injections, each a week apart, of either the investigational therapy in increasingly higher doses or a placebo. They received no other injections throughout the course of the study. Fourteen volunteers received the study drug; 11 were given the placebo. The therapy was well-tolerated and caused only limited local reactions, which required neither medication nor change in treatment dose. No clinically significant, therapy-related adverse events occurred.

Throughout the 2001 and 2002 ragweed seasons, the volunteers were monitored for allergy-related symptoms, including the number of sneezes and the degree of post-nasal drip, allergy medication use and quality-of-life scores. Compared with the placebo recipients, the group that received the therapy experienced dramatically better outcomes that continued throughout the 2002 ragweed season even though therapy ended one year earlier.

Clearly, the regimen of only six injections showed therapeutic promise when compared with the current therapy, the study authors note. However, because the results are based on a small number of volunteers and the long-term safety of the therapy is unknown, they say additional clinical trials with longer-term follow-up to adequately assess the therapy's safety and effectiveness are necessary.

How the experimental therapy relieves ragweed allergy symptoms is not fully understood at this time. When exposed to ragweed pollen, people who are allergic to ragweed experience an increase in IgE (immunoglobulin) antibodies; immunotherapy blocks this increase in IgE. Researchers believe the experimental therapy tempers the release of immune regulatory proteins called cytokines, which blocks increases in the level of IgE antibodies.

"Using ragweed as a model allergen system with a predictable seasonal pattern of symptoms and pollen counts, it is possible to correlate pollen levels with symptoms and measure treatment effects on symptoms. This enables us to better understand immune response to allergens and serves as an approach to similar therapies to manage other allergic reactions for which there are currently no treatments, such as food allergies," says Marshall Plaut, M.D., chief of the Allergic Mechanisms Section of NIAID's Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation.

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NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health. NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose and treat infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria and illness from potential agents of bioterrorism. NIAID also supports research on basic immunology, transplantation and immune-related disorders, including autoimmune diseases, asthma and allergies.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)--The Nation's Medical Research Agency--includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov/.

Reference: PS Creticos et al. Immunotherapy with a ragweed-TLR9 agonist vaccine for allergic rhinitis. The New England Journal of Medicine DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa052196 (2006).

News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID Web site at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/.

Contact: Kathy Stover
NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

EU Health Research Must Prioritise Allergies

2007-04-15T08:34:00.001-07:00

European public health experts are concerned because "allergic diseases" in all their different aspects - from hay fever to fatal attacks of asthma or reactions to peanuts - are not included in the health priorities of the EU research programme. While allergies are mentioned among the food research priorities, the absence of wider allergy problem as a top concern in health research agenda threatens to comprise overall progress in the understanding of this complex condition.

Paul van Cauwenberge, Coordinator of GAІLEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network), says that if the European Union does not make it a top concern in health research, researchers and practitioners may fail to contain the allergy epidemic. (1)

"GAІLEN has helped to demonstrate the magnitude of this public health problem and begun to find the solutions," says Prof. van Cauwenberge of the University of Ghent, Belgium. "But if allergic diseases are not included as a health priority in the next EU framework programme FP7 (2), we are much less likely to build the overall understanding we need to help control this epidemic through effective prevention and treatment." (2)

While allergy experts welcomed the fact that allergy was considered under the food safety programme in the FP6, they point out that only 8% of allergies in Europe are related to food. Allergic diseases represent a "global" problem in the sense that it has multiple presentations and causes, both genetic and environmental. All the different aspects of the condition and its triggers must be addressed to gain a comprehensive understanding of allergic diseases as a whole.

Prof. van Cauwenberge believes that politicians and different authorities would want to be alerted to the absence of the overall allergy and asthma problem within the research agenda. "If Europe does not continue to make major investments into integrating and co-ordinating research for an overall vision, we are unlikely to get to grips with why the rapid increase in prevalence is occurring, nor to be able to identify and introduce into clinical practice the best ways to prevent and manage the problem," he says.

Allergic diseases are taking lives daily and creating huge financial costs. According to the World Health Organization, asthma kills someone in Europe every hour. (3) One child in three is allergic today and by 2015, half of the European population may be suffering from one or more allergic condition. (4)

Estimates have put the financial costs of allergic diseases in Europe at up to 100 billion Euros per year. (4) The personal costs fall particularly heavily on families. Parental fears of a serious attack create anxiety, and even with mild allergies family activities may be limited. Children miss days at school and abstain from sport and other recreational activities. Breathing problems and skin rashes can also harm the self-image of young children, adults and especially teenagers. (5)

The GAІLEN network has successfully brought together 26 "centres of excellence" in allergies spread through different European countries with the aim to advance the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. European researchers and doctors involved are now using standardised skin-prick allergy tests so that Europe-wide comparative analysis can take place. In the last few months, a huge European database of comparable longitudinal epidemiological studies, known as birth cohorts, has been finalised so that significantly more reliable analysis can now be made of the multiple genetic and environmental factors causing allergies.

Working with partner organizations representing allergy specialists and patients' groups (1), GAІLEN is developing evidence-based guidelines for health professionals and the patients to help them preventing and managing the disease. GAІLEN urges policy makers to support the European Parliament proposal to include allergic diseases in the health priorities of the 7th research framework programme.

1. GAІLEN - the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network is a "Network of Excellence" funded by the European Union 6th Research Framework Programme. It consists of 26 research centres spread throughout Europe, as well as the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA). More than 30 collaborating centres have joined the network since its launch in 2004.

2. The European Union's next research programme, known as the Seventh Framework Programme Seven (FP7), begins next year and will run for seven years until 2013.

3. World Health Report 2003, "Shaping the Future". World Health Organization.

4. "Allergy: An epidemic that must be stopped", Position Paper, European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). http://www.efanet.org/activities/eu_policy.html

5. "EU 7th Framework Programme for Research", Position Paper, European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA). http://www.efanet.org/activities/eu_policy.html

GAІLEN - the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network

http://www.ga2len.net

Children Of Allergy Sufferers Prone To Same Problem

2007-04-15T07:34:00.001-07:00

Infants whose parents have allergies that produce symptoms like wheezing, asthma, hay fever or hives risk developing allergic sensitization much earlier in life than previously reported, according to a study by Cincinnati researchers.

The study suggests that the current practice of avoiding skin testing for airborne allergens before age 4 or 5 should be reconsidered, so children in this high-risk group can be detected early and monitored for the possibility of later allergic respiratory disease.

Produced by scientists in UC's departments of environmental health and internal medicine and at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the study is reported in the October 2006 edition of The Journal of Pediatrics.

The Cincinnati researchers collected data on 680 children being evaluated for enrollment in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS), sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and compared their results with findings in a 2004 Swedish study.

Using the skin-prick allergy test, the Swedish group found that in their general population - which included children whose parents did not suffer from allergies - 7 percent had allergic sensitivity at age 1. The Swedes tested five allergens, two of which were food allergens.

The Cincinnati results, however, showed that 28.4 percent of infants born to вЂњatopicвЂќ parents, defined as those with allergies, were sensitized to one or more airborne or food allergens. Eighteen percent were positive to one or more airborne allergens, and 13.7 percent were positive only to an airborne allergen.

According to UC epidemiologist Grace LeMasters, PhD, principal investigator for CCAAPS and the lead author of the report, the Cincinnati findings suggest that the potential for allergic disorders in infancy is underemphasized, "even though sensitization to allergens at younger ages has been shown to be more important than sensitization in late childhood for the development of wheezing symptoms and asthma."

Working with LeMasters on the study were David Bernstein, MD, Jocelyn Biagini, James Lockey, MD, Patrick Ryan, Manuel Villareal, MD, all UC, and Gurjit Khurana Hershey, MD, PhD, Cincinnati Children's.

Contact: Amanda Harper
University of Cincinnati

Food Allergies Could Be Fought With Friendly Bacteria In Alcoholic Milkshake

2007-04-15T07:31:00.001-07:00

Feeding babies alcoholic milk may help to protect against some food allergies. Kefir, a traditional fermented drink, is consumed in Eastern Europe as a health food, and is often used to wean babies, as it is easily digested. Food allergy prevalence is especially high in children under the age of three, with around 5-8% of infants at risk. Currently the only treatment is avoidance of the problematic food.

"Friendly" bacteria in kefir may play a role in blocking the pathway involved in allergic responses, Lisa Richards reports in Chemistry & Industry, SCI's fortnightly magazine. Research published 16 October 2006(DOI 10.1002/jsfa2469) in the SCI's Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture has shown that the milk drink inhibits the allergen specific antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is involved in immune responses to inactivate organisms that might cause disease. However, in the presence of allergens it can also activate cells responsible for the release of histamine, a chemical which stimulates allergic responses, such as inflammation and constriction of airways.

Ji-Ruei Liu's team of scientists at the National Formosa University, Yunlin, Taiwan, fed mice the milky drink, and found that after 3 weeks, the amount of ovalbumin (OVA) specific IgE was reduced three-fold. Ovalbumin is an allergenic protein found in egg whites, which cause most allergies in young children. Kefir is also reported to prevent food antigens from passing through the intestinal wall.

Liu believes that the milky drink could be a promising tool in the prevention of allergies. "In the future, maybe we can screen out the certain components (bacterial strains or bioactive peptides) from kefir and utilize them in medicine," he said.

Also in this weeks Chemistry & Industry, UK firm Rigest are looking for backers to develop an air sanitizing system using an enzyme found naturally in human tears. Lactoperoxidase can attack and kill microbes such as 'flu viruses and the bacteria responsible for MRSA. The system could be used to sanitize the air in airplanes and hospital sick bays.

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Chemistry & Industry magazine from SCI delivers news and comment from the interface between science and business. As well as covering industry and science, it focuses on developments that will be of significant commercial interest in five- to ten-years time. Published twice-monthly and free to SCI Members, it also carries authoritative features and reviews. Opinion-formers worldwide respect Chemistry & Industry for its independent insight.

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About the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (JSFA) publishes peer-reviewed original research and critical reviews in these areas, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary studies at the agriculture/food interface. This international journal covers fundamental and applied research.

JSFA is an SCI journal, published by John Wiley & Sons, on behalf of the Society of Chemical Industry, and is available in print (ISSN: 0022-5142) and online (ISSN: 1097-0010) via Wiley InterScience http://www.interscience.wiley.com/ For further information about the journal go to http://interscience.wiley.com/jsfa

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John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., based in Chichester, England, is the largest subsidiary of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., provides must-have content and services to customers worldwide. Their core businesses include scientific, technical, and medical journals, encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional and consumer books and subscription services; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley has publishing, marketing, and distribution centres in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb. Wiley's recently re-launched Internet site can be accessed at http://www.wileyeurope.com/

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FDA Approves Allegra(R) (fexofenadine Hydrochloride) Oral Suspension For Treatment Of Seasonal Allergy Symptoms And Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

2007-04-15T06:35:00.001-07:00

Sanofi-aventis U.S. (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Allegra(R) (fexofenadine hydrochloride) Oral Suspension for the twice-daily treatment of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies in pediatric patients, 2 to 11 years of age, and for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria in children 6 months to 11 years of age. This approval makes available a safe and effective seasonal allergy treatment option that is non-impairing to pediatric populations as young as 2 years old.

"Until now, parents had few seasonal antihistamine treatment options that were not associated with cognitively impairing adverse side effects," says Eli Meltzer, M.D., of the Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center in San Diego. "However, with Allegra Oral Suspension, which does not cause sedation at any dose and is well-established for its antihistamine activity, a medication is now available in a good tasting, easy-to-swallow formulation that can help reduce the seasonal allergy symptoms of children."

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a common chronic condition in children. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include nasal drainage, sneezing, watery eyes and itchy nose, eyes and throat. Studies indicate that seasonal allergy inflammation as well as the impairing side effects of older antihistamines can be disruptive to a child and may affect cognitive skills and function.

Allegra Oral Suspension has also been approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in twice-daily 30 mg doses for pediatric patients 2 to 11 years of age and twice-daily 15 mg doses for pediatric patients 6 months to 2 years of age. CIU is a rare and bothersome condition characterized by hives lasting more than 6 weeks from an unknown cause. Its symptoms are caused by a reaction to an unknown trigger in the upper layers of the skin. The condition itself may cause severe itching, but is made worse by scratching.

Allegra Oral Suspension will have a berry flavor* and is expected to be available to consumers in time for the 2007 spring allergy season.

Artificial raspberry-cream flavoring

Important Safety Information

Side effects in children 6 months to 5 years old were similar to placebo. Side effects varied by age. The most commonly reported side effects were: vomiting, pyrexia, cough, otitis media and diarrhea.

Please see full prescribing information for Allegra Oral Suspension at http://products.sanofi-aventis.us/allegra_oral/allegra.pdf.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis is the world's third largest pharmaceutical company, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY)

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expect," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward- Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2005. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi- aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information or statements.

sanofi-aventis
http://www.sanofi-aventis.com

About 700,000 People Each Year Seek Care In Emergency Departments For Adverse Supplement And Drug Reactions, Study Says

2007-04-15T06:32:00.001-07:00

Adverse reactions to some of the most commonly prescribed medications result in more than 700,000 emergency department visits annually, according to a study published on Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the AP/Washington Times reports. For the study, led by CDC epidemiologist Daniel Budnitz, researchers examined data from the first two years -- 2004 to 2005 -- of a national surveillance project on outpatient medication safety developed by CDC, FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The data included information from 63 nationally representative hospitals that reported 21,298 adverse reactions to medications among ED patients. According to the study, the data, when extrapolated nationwide, indicated that adverse reactions to medications accounted for at least 701,547 ED visits (Tanner, AP/Washington Times, 10/18). The study found that the most common adverse reactions among ED patients involved accidental overdoses and allergic reactions (Ricks, Long Island Newsday, 10/18). About 17% of ED patients who experienced adverse reactions to medications required hospitalization, the study found (AP/Washington Times, 10/18). In addition, the study found:

The medications most commonly involved in adverse reactions among ED patients were insulins used to treat diabetes; pain medications that contain opiates, such as OxyContin; and blood thinners, such as Coumadin;
The medications most commonly involved in allergic reactions among ED patients were antibiotics that contain amoxicillin and antihistamines and other over-the-counter cold treatments (McVicar, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 10/18); and
Patients ages 65 and older who experienced adverse reactions to medications were twice as likely to visit EDs and seven times as likely to require hospitalization as younger patients (AP/Washington Times, 10/18).

"These are estimates just of the patients who make it" to the ED, Budnitz said, adding, "We don't even attempt to estimate the number of patients who never make it to treatment" (Long Island Newsday, 10/18).

An abstract of the study is available online.

CBS' "Evening News" on Tuesday reported on the report. The segment includes comments from Paul Watkins, professor of medicine and pharmacotherapy at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a U.S. patient who experienced an adverse reaction to a medication (LaPook, "Evening News," CBS, 10/17).

The complete transcript of the segment is available online. The complete segment is available online in RealPlayer.

"Reprinted with permission from http://www.kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

Use Of Corticosteroid Inhalers For The Treatment Of Asthma And COPD To Increase

2007-03-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms focusing on pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that the use of corticosteroid inhalers will increase for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"Despite their criticisms of primary care physicians' use of inhaled corticosteroids, 39% of pulmonologists forecast that they will increase their use of these agents for treating COPD, presumably in large part because of the results of the TORCH study," said Decision Resources analyst Madhuri Borde, Ph.D. "For the treatment of asthma, physicians and experts concur that, over the next two years, they will likely increase their use of single-agent corticosteroid inhalers. Single-agent inhalers are becoming seen as the most appropriate first-line agent, though Advair use in this segment will continue to increase as well."

The findings come from two new reports from Decision Resources: Treatment Algorithms in Asthma and Treatment Algorithms in COPD. Information from the reports will be presented in a webinar on January 17th entitled "Using Patient-Level Data to Quantify Lines of Therapy within the Asthma and COPD Markets." For more information on how to attend the webinar, please contact Liz Marshall of Decision Resources at 781-296-2563.

About Treatment Algorithm Insight Series

Decision Resources combines in-depth primary research with the most extensive claims-based longitudinal patient-level data from PharMetrics(R) to provide exceptional insight into physicians' prescribing trends and the factors that drive therapy product choice, from diagnosis through multiple courses of treatment, for a specific disease.

For each disease examined, Decision Resources' Treatment Algorithm Insight Series provide the following:

-- Summary of U.S. medical practice based on interviews with leading experts in the field

-- Qualitative diagnosis/referral/treatment algorithm for the United States

-- Drug usage by lines of therapy (1st, 2nd, 3rd line)

-- Discussion of key freeform combinations by lines of therapy

-- Product share (class and specific compound level) within each line of therapy (1st, 2nd, 3rd line)

-- Progression of therapy from key 1st line products

-- Pathway to key therapies from previous therapies

-- Qualitative analysis of two-year forecast incorporating upcoming launches, changes in reimbursement, etc.

About Decision Resources

Decision Resources, Inc., (http://www.decisionresources.com) is a world leader in healthcare market research publications, advisory services, and consulting designed to help clients shape strategy, allocate resources, and master their chosen markets.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Decision Resources, Inc.
http://www.decisionresources.com