Allergy is when the body's immune system overreacts when exposed to substances such as dust, pollen, animal hair or metals. Millions of people across Europe are affected. The pharmaceutical industry is researching the complex nature of allergy in order to develop medicines to relieve the misery it causes.
Disease: Allergy
Last update: July 2009
Intro
FAQ: What does the future hold?
Research is underway into ways of modifying the complex reactions of the immune system to prevent the allergic response. Safer compounds to treat eczema in young children are being investigated as are ways of blocking immunoglobulin E, the principal protein involved in allergy. New strategies for 'vaccination' with carefully modied allergens are also being examined.
Untangling the complexities of the allergic response should lead to more effective, safer medicines and reduce the misery and danger posed by allergy.
Untangling the complexities of the allergic response should lead to more effective, safer medicines and reduce the misery and danger posed by allergy.