Allergen Delivery Inhibitors

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Allergy: Diagnostics and Treatment , Allergy: Research and Development on July 17, 2006

There are times I wish they would invent some kind of forcefield that would ward off allergens. You know, something like that electro-magnetic bubble that protects the Justice League headquarters from the Legion of Doom.

My metaphor may be so 80s, but hey, in five years, it just might be possible, by way of a pill being developed at the University of Manchester.

The drugs we are developing -- called Allergen Delivery Inhibitors (ADIs) - are designed to disable these allergens so they can no longer eat through the protective cell layer and block 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.

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

Amen! They say the pill may go into clinical trials by 2010, and if successful, may be available in about 5 years from now. I hope they get the financial support they need to get this project going.

Read about it here.