Researchers have developed a long awaited cat allergy vaccine. The allergy is known to cause effects like sneezing, eye irritation, nasal congestion, skin rashes, and general unease among cat lovers. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reveals that 10% of Americans are allergic to cats and other furry pets. According to Medical Daily, a firm called Hypocat has developed an allergy vaccine that aims to combat cat allergy.
The Swiss based research company pointed that the new vaccine is different from the commonly used treatments based on immunotherapies. The vaccine is given directly to cats and not humans. News about the breakthrough vaccine was revealed recently by the HypoPet AG Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gary Jennings. Once administered, the vaccine fights a protein known as Fel d1 that is resident in the cat’s saliva and tears.
When a cat licks itself, it essentially spreads the Fel d1 protein allergen over its fur. The protein then spreads into the air, where it is picked by the human nasal cavity. The Hypocat vaccine produces lots of antibodies that binds and defuses the Fel d1 allergen in cats. Once it finally becomes available, the vaccine will help prevent allergic reactions and associated symptoms like nasal congestion, skin rashes and even asthma.
The test carried out at the HypoPet laboratories involved 50 cats. Each cat was given 3 doses of the vaccine in a trial that lasted 9 weeks. During the analysis, all test animals experienced increased antibody levels and developed an immune response capable of repulsing the causative allergen. The study also noted the presence of low Fel d1 in the vaccinated cat’s saliva and tears. No negative long term effects were recorded during the study.
Away from the laboratory, tests conducted on cats living with people have also shown remarkable results. Following the success of the vaccine, Forbes magazine reports that HypoPet AG is seeking to register the studies and have it tabled before US and European food and drugs regulators for final approval. This means cat owners will wait for a few years before buying or ordering the vaccine.
The complete details of the vaccine are published in the highly respected Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. This is not the first study concerning cat allergy vaccination, but it is one of the most provocative since it’s not administered to humans. Past studies about cat allergies have been published in journals like Immunity, Inflammation and Disease and the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
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For the employees, Premier Allergy ranks as one of the most preferred asthma research, treatment and care centers in Ohio due to factors like favorable work-life balance, job security, attractive compensation and accommodating work culture. For treatment and general information, simply call or visit the treatment center website for immediate assistance