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Allergy
What is on the horizon?
Doctors and patients have become concerned with the possibility of decreases in bone health that have been reported with inhaled corticosteroid use. This has lead to increased use of other agents in this class including the leukotriene inhibitors such as Montelukast (Singulair). Combination products including both a second generation antihistamine and leukotriene modifying agent are under active investigation.
On another research front, investigators are currently recruiting participants for a study looking at the effect allergic rhinitis, and its treatment, may have on driving ability. Although this may sound insignificant, the results of this study may help guide the development of future drugs and treatments for allergic rhinitis.
Researchers recently identified a protein in mice, called RGS13, which suppresses allergic reactions, including the very severe form of anaphylaxis. RGS13 has also been identified in a certain number of human cells, making it a possible target for developing new drugs to treat and prevent allergic reactions. Through current and future research, doctors hope to identify a correlation between abnormal expression of this protein and specific allergic diseases.
Finally, scientists are using x-ray crystallography to map the three-dimensional structure of a receptor molecule that plays a key role in triggering the symptoms of asthma and allergies. This finding not only advances our understanding of these diseases, but paves the way for a new class of anti-allergy drugs. Scientists are also continuing investigation of DNA vaccines for allergic diseases.
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What is on the horizon?
