Cat allergy is one of the most common indoor allergens, affecting more than 20 million patients in the U.S. alone and birch pollen is one of the most common seasonal allergens in the U.S., affecting more than 10 million people, according to Tarrytown-based Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
The company has reported what appear to be promising results in using allergen-blocking antibodies in investigational trials to deal with both cat and birch allergies. Additional studies are planned.
According to George D. Yancopoulos, president and chief scientific officer at Regeneron, “Millions suffer from the debilitating effects of allergies, which can cause severe symptoms in the eyes, nose, skin and even trigger asthma. To try to alleviate this suffering, millions undergo allergy desensitization shots, often several times a week for several years, and often with disappointing results. The purpose of these burdensome allergy shots is to try to build up allergen-blocking antibodies in the body. We wondered whether we could instead manufacture and directly provide allergen-blocking antibodies.”
Yancopoulos said that results of recent Phase 3 allergen challenge trials show promising results for treating both cat and birch allergies. He said that participants in the clinical trials saw significant relief from their allergic reactions that lasted for more than three months.
Clinical trial participants received a single subcutaneous (under the skin) administration of Regeneron’s allergen-blocking antibodies followed by exposure to the allergens in their eyes. Earlier trials evaluated exposure to allergens through the nose and in the environment.
Regeneron reported that the cat and birch allergy programs are part of a broader program to deal with allergies, including for adults with severe food allergy. The company said that initial results from the food allergy trial have been encouraging.
