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

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

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

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

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

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

About CLARITIN

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

About Schering-Plough

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

SCHERING-PLOUGH DISCLOSURE NOTICE:

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

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

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

Are The Dangers Of Childhood Food Allergy Exaggerated?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AERIUS Now Approved For Use In Intermittent And Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Allergic Rhinitis

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

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

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

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

About AERIUS®

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

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

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

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

About Schering-Plough Corporation

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

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

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

http://www.schering-plough.com

Nippon Paper Begins Test Farming Rice That Alleviates Hay Fever

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

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

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

By Chris Lui, JCN Staff Writer

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

JCN

The Allergens And Irritants Behind Itchy Skin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mayo Clinic

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

Cancer And Psoriasis can be aggravated by "Allergy Cells"

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

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

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.

GAІLEN

Avenue Louise 327
BP6
http://www.ga2len.net

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

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.

###

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

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