Asthma - Anti IgE Tests

[Guest guest]

>Did anyone hear on the news a new treatment for asthma that is supposed to

be

>coming out next year that they think may have significant application for

food

>allergies? Several people have mentioned it to me, but no one knows

anything

>more. It works either on the IGg or Ige response.

Yes, this was recently all over the news.

There are currently a number of pharmaceutical companies who are working on

this drug. Right now the drug is in the testing phase, and they are testing

it in many allergic applications. Any allergic response (true allergy, not

delayed food sensitivity as in IgG) involves the IgE system. This drug

suppresses the allergic IgE response (production of IgE), and is the only

drug that actually suppresses the allergic response. Drugs like prednisone

only suppress the SYMPTOMS, not the actual allergic response.

The drug is still undergoing trial, but I think I heard it might be ready

for market in a year or two. That said, the drug will be Extremely

Expensive, and will likely only be used on people with serious allergic

responses. Right now, I know of 2 specific studies for the anti IgE drug:

peanut reactions, and asthma.

I volunteered to be involved with the peanut test (I have anaphylaxis to

peanuts), but I was temporarily rejected. My last IgE level was over 5000

(extremely high), but the IgE level limit was on the order of 500 or

something like that. The doctor at National Jewish said that they couldn't

give me enough of the drug to bring my IgE level down to the point where my

allergic response would be noticeably reduced. I have no idea what this

means for the long term application of this drug. When I had my IgE level

tested (+5000), I was having a major eczema attack, which is also elevates

IgE levels. I recently had blood drawn for a new IgE level test (my eczema

is calm now), and if my IgE level is low enough, I will participate in the

test.

The peanut anti IgE test is currently running, but I think you can still get

involved. They are looking for people between the ages 18-60 years with a

history of severe allergic reactions to eating peanuts. For the squeamish,

you MUST eat (trace amounts of) peanuts so they can check your allergic

response!!! The study is run over a 6 month period, and involves up to 11

visits to the study site (Colorado). If you live out of state, that means

you will be responsible for most of the cost to participate in the study, as

the study only reimburses you a very small amount. If you want more info,

you can contact:

Janet , LPN, CCRC

Critical Research Coordinator

National Jewish Medical and Research Center

1400 Street

Denver CO, 80206

Best regards,

Kenny