Medication protects patients with peanut allergies

Study shows life-threatening reactions from accidental ingestion can be avoided

What:
New research showing that anti-IgE therapy could help most people with peanut allergies avoid life-threatening allergic reactions, will be presented at the 60th anniversary of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 14. NEJM has set the embargo for this study at 2 PM EST on Monday, March 10, 2003.

When:
The study, Effect of Anti-IgE Therapy in Patients with Severe Peanut Allergy, will be presented in a press conference on Monday, March 10, 10 AM MST (12 PM EST).

Who:
Donald Y. M. Leung, MD, FAAAAI, National Jewish Medical & Research Center, Denver
Hugh A. Sampson, MD, FAAAAI, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Anne Munoz-Furlong, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network

Where:
Adams Mark Hotel, Plaza Court 1
1550 Court Place
Denver, Colorado

Phone Access:
If you will not be in Denver to attend the press conference members of the media may call (800) 310-1961. When the operator answers either reference the title of the conference, "The effect of Anti –IgE Therapy in patients with severe peanut allergy" or the confirmation code 447953. There will be an opportunity for those calling in to ask questions.

Why:
Severe peanut allergy affects nearly 1.5 million people and is responsible for 50-100 deaths per year in the United States. Anaphylactic reactions to peanut can occur at any age and the only current treatment is peanut avoidance or rescue from epinephrine. However, only a small number of people carry epinephrine and even timely injection may not prevent death. The study's findings presented in the press conference may offer protection from most accidental ingestions.

More Information:
For more information or to speak with a participant in the study for a patient's perspective, contact
William Allstetter, National Jewish, 303-398-1002, allstetterw@njc.org
Debra Kaplan, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 212-659-9045, debra.kaplan@mssm.edu

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