Scientists have identified a new target for treating asthma and allergies: a protein called p110delta. Unlike currently available asthma and allergy medications in the market which only address the symptoms, medicines targeting this protein can block allergic reactions even before symptoms occur.

More recently, Genentech and Novartis AG have introduced a new medicine for severe asthma called Xolair that blocks a immune system substance called immunoglobulin E, but this still needs to be given as an injection.

A new drug targeting p110delta, by contrast, could be made as a capsule or be adapted for inhalation or topical use, in the case of eczema.

If all goes well, the result could be a therapy that is available for widespread use against allergies and, potentially, other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: Reuters