Funding needed for quest to banish allergies

18 Jul 2006 | News | Update from University of Warwick
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Technology transfer
Researchers developing compounds designed to prevent allergens from entering the body are seeking investment to move to the next stage of development.
By Nuala Moran

Pollen grains from Arabidopsis. Image courtesy MIPS, Munich. Microscopy by Juergen Berger, computer image manipulation by Heiko Schoof.

Researchers at the University of Manchester, UK, say allergies such as asthma, eczema and hay fever could be snuffed out within five years as a result of their work. In collaboration with colleagues at St George’s, University of London, they are developing compounds called allergen delivery inhibitors (ADIs) that are designed to prevent allergens from entering the body, so preventing them from setting off an allergic reaction.

Leader of the research, David Garrod, is now seeking investment to take the research to the next stage of development.

The study has already received nearly £450,000 from the research charity the Wellcome Trust and Garrod is now looking for up to £3 million to get the compounds into clinical trials.

Garrod said the research takes a completely new approach to the treatment and prevention of allergies. “The technology is based on our earlier discovery of how allergens, enter the body through the surface layer of cells that protect the skin and the lungs.”

“Allergens from pollen or house dust mites are inhaled and then dissolve the binding material between the cells that form these protective linings; they can then enter the body by passing between the cells to cause an allergic response.

“The drugs we are developing are designed to disable these allergens so they can no longer eat through the protective cell layer, thus blocking the allergic reaction before it occurs.

The effect will be like avoiding allergens altogether. Removing carpets and rigorous cleaning of homes are established ways to avoid allergens, but they are only partially effective because their effects do not ‘travel’ with allergy sufferers, added Garrod.

“ADIs promise to be significantly better because taking a medicine is easier than rigorous housework and pills are portable.”

Work on the first ADI is and the lead compound could be ready to enter the clinic in 2010. If successful, the drug would treat established symptoms already found in adult sufferers and, in due course, could be used to prevent allergies in children.

“Prevention of allergies has never before been possible,” said Garrod. “Current medicines don’t act against the allergen at this early stage – they only ease the symptoms – so the development of these ADIs would be a major breakthrough.”

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