I saw this headline and thought of that dream we have of a cure for anaphylaxis. If you could just take a pill to stop anaphylactic reactions. But is it safe? What might the side effects be?
As someone going through withdrawal from topical steroids I’m very wary of drugs, especially any with such lofty claims.
The drug, known as BTK (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase) inhibitors, block the BTK enzyme found inside mast cells. These are the primary cells that react during allergic reactions; when triggered by allergens and allergic antibodies they release histamine and other allergic mediators. The researchers believe the new drug could prevent this trigger.
Sounds promising…
When the only current solution is avoiding your allergen, which can be a really challenging mission when the seem to hidden in so many places.
Carrying adrenaline is the only line of defence for those with potential life threatening allergies and most will be prescribed two adrenaline auto-injectors to carry with them at all times. It’s reassuring to have these with you but there is always that worry. What if…?
Further reading reveals that some poor mice have been experimented on which always makes me sad. I guess, to see progress, researchers need to test these drugs… but are mice really the same as humans? It’s simulated and not the same as testing on real humans. But the pharmaceutical companies would never be allowed to do that. Putting aside any views on animal experimentation…
This would be the first known treatment to prevent anaphylaxis other than avoiding the allergen.
“This pill could quite literally be life-changing and life-saving,” said senior and corresponding author, Dr Bruce Bochner, the Samuel M. Feinberg Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Imagine being able to take medication proactively to prevent a serious allergic reaction.”
You can read more here in “A drug which could prevent anaphylaxis”.
Would you welcome this advancement?
Would you take this pill? Would you have to take it every day or just when eating out?
It’s probably still a long way off being released to market but it has been approved by the FDA.
I’d be scared of this to be honest but I don’t think I trust big pharmaceutical companies.
But imagine never having that fear on your shoulders every time you leave your house.
Imagine a life where you never had to worry about allergies and anaphylaxis ever again!
I’d love to hear your thoughts
Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels
I for one would be grateful for a single tablet if it worked and saved going through all the upheaval it causes and fears that I have just going outdoors with an allergy to perfume as its everywhere so I would welcome it but with trepidation
Oh perfume and scent allergies must be the absolute worst to live with. At least with food I can control when I come into contact with food. You never know who might be wearing perfume or which buildings may be pumping round aromas or using air fragrance systems. I will cross everything for you. Not sure if you can get in touch with them to find out more.