Category Archives: Immunology

Immunology

Researchers warned re-emergence of SARS-like virus in 2007 – Outlook India

Researchers warned re-emergence of SARS-like virus in 2007

New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS) The possibility that a SARS-like virus could re-emerge in China was warned by researchers in 2007. Experts had claimed that the presence of a large reservoir of SARS-CoV-like viruses in horseshoe bats in southern China is a "time bomb".

The outbreak of coronavirus and SARS in China is believed to have passed from bats and other animals to humans in a wet market.

"The presence of a large reservoir of SARS-CoV-like viruses in horseshoe bats, together with the culture of eating exotic mammals in southern China, is a time bomb. The possibility of the re-emergence of SARS and other novel viruses from animals or laboratories and therefore the need for preparedness should not be ignored," a University of Hong Kong research paper said.

American Society for Microbiology had published this research paper titled ''Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus as an Agent of Emerging and Re-emerging Infection'' report in October 2007.

The research paper said that the rapid economic growth in southern China has led to an increasing demand for animal proteins, including those from exotic game food animals such as civets. Large numbers and varieties of these wild game mammals in overcrowded cages and the lack of biosecurity measures in wet markets allowed the jumping of this novel virus varies from animals to humans.

"The small re-emergence of SARS in late 2003 after the resumption of the wildlife market in southern China and the recent discovery of a very similar viruses in horseshoe bats, bat SARS-CoV, suggested that SARS can return if conditions are fit for the introduction, mutation, amplification, and transmission of this dangerous virus.

The paper was authored by Vincent C.C. Cheng, Susanna K.P. Lau, Patrick C.Y. Woo, and Kwok Yung Yuen of the Department of Microbiology, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.

--IANS

ravi/sn/skp/

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Researchers warned re-emergence of SARS-like virus in 2007 - Outlook India

Immunology

Capito, Manchin announce funding for Marshall University research – My Buckhannon

WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced a grant of $434,180 to support Marshall Universitys Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation Research. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Across West Virginia, our universities are known for their exceptional research capabilities, Senator Capito said. This funding will help support Marshall Universitys Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and further our understanding in the field of Immunology. I am proud of Marshall Universitys research efforts and the positive impact they create in our state. This is a wonderful investment into West Virginia, and I thank DHHS for their continued support.

Marshall University conducts essential research that impacts countless lives every day and this funding will ensure their research continues. I applaud Marshall for their great work in medical research, which covers diseases that affect millions of Americans, and look forward to them continuing to make West Virginia proud, said Senator Manchin.

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Capito, Manchin announce funding for Marshall University research - My Buckhannon

Immunology

86-year-old Copaxone creator has no intention of slowing down – The Jerusalem Post

For 86-year-old Prof. Ruth Arnon, nothing compares to waking up in the morning and going to work in the laboratory.When it comes to being excited by experiments, age is simply not a factor for the world-renowned Weizmann Institute of Science biochemist and co-creator of multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone.Born in Tel Aviv in 1933, Arnons academic background was in biochemistry, but she worked her entire career to advance a chemical approach to immunology.She currently heads the scientific advisory board of BiondVax Pharmaceuticals, a Jerusalem-based company developing an unprecedented, universal influenza vaccine based on decades of her research at the Weizmann Institute. In 2010, Arnon become the first female president of the Israel Academy of Sciences and the Humanities.There is nothing more exciting than planning an experiment and getting the results, Arnon told The Jerusalem Post. If you get the results you wanted, its extremely exciting. If you didnt expect the results, it can sometimes be even more exciting.Israeli pharmaceutical giant Teva received FDA approval for Copaxone in 1996, a prime example of unexpected but greatly exciting results. The drug is indicated for reducing the frequency of relapses among multiple sclerosis.Already in my PhD, I studied synthetic polymers in order to look at their universal properties and to see whether there is a correlation between the structure of the protein-like polymers and immunological properties, Arnon said.Her studies subsequently led to the development of a synthetic polymer of amino acids, similar to a protein involved in multiple sclerosis. Arnon and her co-researchers originally intended to develop a polymer to mimic the disease in animals, but they found the polymer did not induce a disease. On the contrary, it inhibited the disease.With these results, we made a switch in our minds and studied the properties of this polymer as an inhibitor, she said. Eventually, it led to Copaxone.Today, BiondVax is building on Arnons immunology research and making encouraging strides toward developing a universal, multi-season and multi-strain flu vaccine that has eluded researchers for decades. Approval of the vaccine will represent a major transformation in the field of influenza immunology, which currently operates according to instructions issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).The company is now in the final stage of human clinical trials, with studies to date showing the vaccine to be safe, well-tolerated and immunogenic to a broad range of influenza strains. Results are expected at the end of the current flu season.We looked at the structure of several proteins of influenza, and we focused on regions in the proteins that do not change, Arnon said. Assuming that we immunize with a synthetic molecule containing the regions conserved among many strains of influenza, then this material will be able to provide immunity against many strains of the virus.Recognizing her distinguished career and contributions to medical research, Arnon was awarded the 2020 OurCrowd Maimonides Award for Lifetime Achievement in Science, Leadership and Menschlichkeit at the OurCrowd Global Investor Summit on Thursday. She was welcomed with a standing ovation by thousands of attendees.Presenting the award, OurCrowd founder and CEO Jon Medved paid tribute to Arnon, saying: Countless people owe her their lives and their quality of life to her hard work and innovation.In addition to roles at the Weizmann Institute and the Israel Academy, Arnon has served in many senior national and international positions, including president of the European Federation of Immunological Societies, secretary-general of the International Union of Immunological Societies and on the steering committee of the WHO Task Force on Immunological Methods for Fertility Control.Regarding aspiring scientists, Arnon told the Post her most important advice was to do what you love most and work on that.Whatever you love, you will do with excitement, and it will give you pleasure. Dont try to force yourself to do things that you dont like, she said. I think scientists are fortunate in the sense that they can really follow their philosophy and do what they love most.

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86-year-old Copaxone creator has no intention of slowing down - The Jerusalem Post

Immunology

Chaplin elected as a distinguished fellow of the American Association of Immunologists – UAB News

Chaplin has been chosen as a distinguished fellow by the American Association of Immunologists for his contributions to the field of immunology.

David Chaplin, M.D., Ph.D.David Chaplin, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been elected as a distinguished fellow by the American Association of Immunologists.

This is a very important and prestigious professional award from the AAI, said Frances Lund, Ph.D., chair of the UAB microbiology department. Its designed to recognize scientists who have spent their career working to advance the field of immunology through their research, their service to the larger national research community, and their contributions to educating and mentoring the next generations of immunologists.

Chaplin has had a significant impact on the education, mentoring and training of immunologists at UAB. He served for more than a decade as chair of the Department of Microbiology and mentored numerous junior faculty who have gone on to become successful academic scientists. After stepping down as chair, Chaplin worked with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and the School of Medicine Deans Office to organize training academies and workshops for faculty in the early stages of their careers.

The American Association of Immunologists has provided a wonderful professional home for me throughout my career and has offered a way for me to expand my relationships with other immunologists in the field as I serve the scientific community, Chaplin said. Its also been a terrific venue to develop interests outside of my lab, especially through the Committee on Public Affairs. Im deeply humbled and honored to have been designated as an AAI distinguished fellow.

Over his time at UAB, Chaplin and his lab have made key discoveries about the development, structure and function of lymphoid tissues. Additionally, other research he has done has been critical for identifying proteins in the immune system that are now being targeted with immunotherapies. If successful, this method can be used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

Aside from his role as an educator and in addition to being a distinguished fellow of AAI, Chaplin is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Society for Microbiology, and holds memberships within six other organizations that are determined to make a difference within the field of microbiology and immunology.

This is the second year that the AAI has elected distinguished fellows. In the inaugural year, Judith Kapp, Ph.D., and Robert Rich, M.D., were the first two from UAB to receive this honor. Rich is a professor of medicine and formerly served as dean of the UAB School of Medicine, and Kapp is professor emeritus in the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

At UAB, Lund holds the Charles H. McCauley Chair of Microbiology.

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Chaplin elected as a distinguished fellow of the American Association of Immunologists - UAB News

Immunology

Air pollution may aggravate nasal suffering with colds and seasonal allergies – WHTC News

Thursday, February 13, 2020 3:39 p.m. EST

By Lisa Rapaport

(Reuters Health) - People who get rhinitis - an inflamed or congested nose - from colds or allergies may feel much worse if they're exposed to high levels of air pollution, a recent study suggests.

Rhinitis usually involves some combination of congestion, sneezing, nasal irritation and sometimes a reduced sense of smell, and it affects up to half of the world's population, the study team writes in Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

"Breathing polluted air will cause inflammation and oxidative stress on the respiratory tract," said lead study author Emilie Burte of INSERM in Villejuif, France.

"That probably will increase the frequency or severity of rhinitis symptoms," Burte said by email.

Even though rhinitis is especially common among people with asthma - a condition that's aggravated by air pollution - research to date hasn't offered a clear picture of how air quality impacts the severity of rhinitis.

For the current study, researchers examined data on air pollution exposure and symptom severity for about 1,400 people with rhinitis in 17 European cities.

Two types of pollutants in particular were associated with worse rhinitis symptoms: nitrogen oxide, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion that contributes to smog; and so-called PM 2.5, a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that can include dust, dirt, soot and smoke.

People in cities with the highest levels of PM 2.5, or fine particulate matter, reported the most severe rhinitis symptoms.

Each increase of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (mcg/m3) in concentrations of fine particulate matter was associated with a 17% higher chance that people with rhinitis would experience severe symptoms, the study found.

Fine particulate matter was associated with worse congestion, nasal irritation and sneezing.

Nitrogen dioxide was also tied to more severe rhinitis, particularly for symptoms like nasal discharge and congestion.

The pollutants exacerbating rhinitis in the study have long been linked to traffic fumes, with worse air quality around major roadways in cities around the world.

While the study wasn't designed to prove whether air pollution causes rhinitis or makes symptoms worse, it's possible that each kind of contaminant in the air does its own type of damage in the respiratory system, Burte said.

People prone to colds and allergies can't do much to prevent pollution from making rhinitis worse, aside from staying indoors, said Yaguang Wei, an environmental health researcher at Harvard University in Boston who wasn't involved in the study.

People can pay attention to air quality alerts for their city or community and plan to stay indoors or at least avoid vigorous activity outside during peak pollution times.

"For indoor air pollution, air purifiers can clean indoor air and protect your family, especially for children and the elderly," Wei said by email.

People can also do their part to reduce traffic fumes.

"Using public transportation can help reduce air pollution emissions," Wei said.

SOURCE: https://bit.ly/31W84az Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, online January 23, 2020.

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Air pollution may aggravate nasal suffering with colds and seasonal allergies - WHTC News

Immunology

Use and utility of serologic tests for rheumatoid arthritis in primary care. – Physician’s Weekly

In this retrospective, register-based population study, we evaluated if anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) is a better choice than immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor (IgM RF) in primary care when rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suspected, as it determines predictive values in real-life settings. Furthermore, the study described ordering patterns to investigate the benefit of repeated testing.Test result, requisitioning unit, test date and the patients social security number were collected from the Department of Clinical Immunology at Odense University Hospital in 2007-2016 and merged with patient diagnoses from the Danish National Patient Registry.Overall, 5% were diagnosed with RA. IgM RF remained the preferred test during the entire period. Test sensitivity was 61% for IgM RF and 54% for ACPA. The test specificity was 88% for IgM RF and 96% for ACPA. Positive predictive value (PPV) was higher for ACPA than for IgM RF (30% versus 12%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was equal (99%) in primary care. Few individuals seroconverted from negative to positive (ACPA 2% and IgM RF 5%) and positive to negative (ACPA 3% and IgM RF 6%).ACPA has a higher PPV for RA than IgM RF, whereas their NPV is identical. ACPA is the better choice when testing for RA in primary care. Seroconversion is rare, and it is only rarely relevant to retest.The Department of Clinical immunology at Odense University Hospital funded the study.not relevant.Articles published in the DMJ are open access. This means that the articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial License, which permits any non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

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Use and utility of serologic tests for rheumatoid arthritis in primary care. - Physician's Weekly

Immunology

Understanding how a protein wreaks havoc in the brain in Parkinson’s disease – Engineers Journal

What causes neurons to die in Parkinsons disease?

What causes neurons to die in Parkinsons disease?

Parkinsons disease is a long-term (chronic) neurological condition that affects about 12,000 people in Ireland and between seven and 10 million people worldwide.

The disease affects the way the brain co-ordinates body movements like walking and talking, but cognitive abilities are also affected.

There is currently no cure for the disease, but researchers at Trinity have recently published findings of a study which may lead to better treatments for this debilitating illness. The paper has been published in the international Cell Press journal Structure.

Neurons in the part of the brain called substantia nigra (dark matter) produce and release a hormone called dopamine. This hormone acts as a messenger between these cells in the substantia nigra and other parts of the brain which control body movements.

If these specialised neurons become damaged or die, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced. This means that the parts of the brain that control movement cease to function normally, said Amir Khan, associate professor, School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity.

The only treatment for Parkinsons disease in the last 20 years has been dopamine replacement therapy. This involves providing a substitute to try to increase the levels of the hormone in the brain. However, the treatment is not completely effective and can wear off over time, and it also has side effects.

The main reason why we lack new treatments is that we dont understand the fundamental mechanism of how neurons become sick and die. No one knows why these particular neurons in the substantia nigra are affected.

In the last few years, the field has completely changed. We have new insight into a gene called LRRK2, which is the most common cause of inherited Parkinsons disease. Although only 10% of Parkinsons cases are inherited, the enzyme that is produced by the LRRK2 gene seems to be overactive in both inherited and sporadic cases.

In other words, afflicted individuals may not have an LRRK2 mutation, but the enzyme runs amok in their neurons anyway. Inhibitors of this enzyme are now in late clinical trials for treatment of Parkinsons disease.

The team at Trinity has studied the effects that LRRK2 has on other proteins in neuronal cells. To understand how LRRK2 affects the brain and leads to Parkinsons disease, the team has simulated the activity of the enzyme in the laboratory.

The research allowed us to visualize the 3D structure of a protein complex that is formed when LRRK2 is overactive. From these structural studies of proteins, we can understand how LRRK2 is able to impose its profound effects on neurons. We are the first group to report the effects of LRRK2 in 3-D detail using a method called X-ray crystallography, said Prof Khan.

An overactive LRRK2 runs loose in neurons and wreaks havoc on motor and cognitive abilities. In a way, we are chasing the footprints that LRRK2 leaves in the brain to understand what it does, and find ways to stop it.

We are hopeful that these studies may eventually lead to new treatments for Parkinsons disease, for which there is currently no cure.

What causes neurons to die in Parkinsons disease?Parkinsons disease is a long-term (chronic) neurological condition that affects about 12,000 people in Ireland and between seven and 10 million people worldwide.Cognitive abilities affectedThe disease affects the way the brain co-ordinates body movements like walking and talking, but cognitive abilities are...

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Understanding how a protein wreaks havoc in the brain in Parkinson's disease - Engineers Journal

Immunology

Vir Biotechnology Identifies Two Antibodies That Bind to the Spike Protein of 2019-nCoV, Newly Named as SARS-CoV-2 – Yahoo Finance

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (VIR), a clinical-stage immunology company focused on immune approaches to treating and preventing serious infectious diseases, today announcedthat it has identified two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to SARS-CoV-2 (previously known as 2019-nCoV), which were originally found because they bind and neutralize the original SARS-CoV. The antibodies target the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the region that the virus uses to enter cells through the cellular receptor ACE2. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 causes the newly named disease, Covid-19.

We are in the process of assessing neutralization with a pseudo-virus, said George Scangos, Ph.D., CEO of Vir. In addition, we are working with international partners to assess the capacity of these antibodies to neutralize the live virus, SARS-CoV-2.

The company is moving ahead with research to determine if its antibodies, or additional antibodies that it may be able to identify, can be effective as treatment and/or prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2. To that end, the company is exploring collaborations with a number of other companies and governmental agencies. Amongst these are specific efforts at accessing manufacturing capacity globally.

We are pleased that, using the same platform that was used to isolate mAb114 which has proven to be active against Ebola, we have quickly identified antibodies with potential biological activity against SARS-CoV-2, said Herbert Skip Virgin, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Vir. We are working as rapidly as possible and look forward to sharing more information as we have it.

Vir identified these antibodies from an existing library of 20 fully human antibodies that bind and neutralize related coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and coronaviruses that infect animals. This library was built through a robust method for capitalizing on unusually successful immune responses naturally occurring in people who are protected from, or have recovered from, infectious diseases, including those caused by rapidly evolving and/or previously untreatable pathogens.

Antibody-based therapies are different from vaccines and have distinct attributes that may make them potentially valuable, particularly in pandemic settings:

Vir is investigating other approaches to identify additional potential therapies for SARS-CoV-2. In addition to testing these two antibodies, the company is also exploring the isolation of new antibodies specific for this virus using its antibody technology platform. These efforts may allow additional approaches to address this rapidly emerging public health epidemic.

About Virs Antibody PlatformVir has a robust method for capitalizing on unusually successful immune responses naturally occurring in people who are protected from, or have recovered from, infectious diseases. The platform is used to identify rare antibodies from survivors that have the potential to treat and prevent rapidly evolving and/or previously untreatable pathogens via direct pathogen neutralization and immune system stimulation. Vir engineers the fully human antibodies that it discovers to enhance their therapeutic potential. This platform has been used to identify and develop antibodies for pathogens including Ebola (mAb114, currently in use in the Democratic Republic of Congo), hepatitis B virus, influenza A, malaria, and others.

About Vir BiotechnologyVir Biotechnology is a clinical-stage immunology company focused on combining immunologic insights with cutting-edge technologies to treat and prevent serious infectious diseases. Vir has assembled four technology platforms that are designed to stimulate and enhance the immune system by exploiting critical observations of natural immune processes. Its current development pipeline consists of five product candidates targeting hepatitis B virus, influenza A, human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis. For more information, please visit http://www.vir.bio.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as may, will, expect, plan, anticipate, estimate, intend, potential and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Virs expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding the companys efforts to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus and identify additional potential therapies for SARS-CoV-2, and its ability to address the emerging public health epidemic. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, challenges in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, difficulty in collaborating with other companies or government agencies, and challenges in accessing manufacturing capacity within China. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in Virs filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section titled Risk Factors contained therein. Except as required by law, Vir assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.

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Contact:Vir Biotechnology, Inc.

InvestorsNeera Ravindran, MDHead of Investor Relations & Strategic Communicationsnravindran@vir.bio+1-415-506-5256

MediaLindy DevereuxScient PRlindy@scientpr.com+1-646-515-5730

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Vir Biotechnology Identifies Two Antibodies That Bind to the Spike Protein of 2019-nCoV, Newly Named as SARS-CoV-2 - Yahoo Finance

Immunology

E.A.T Announces Winners of $1 Million Grand Challenge to End Anaphylaxis – Yahoo Finance

New microbiome treatments and targets win Challenge as decided by distinguished panel of scientists, investors and entrepreneurs.

Winners to be awarded on February 27 at an event hosted by Bank of America Private Bank in New York City.

FAIRFIELD, Conn., Feb. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --End Allergies Together (E.A.T), a non-profit organization that funds research for the growing food allergy epidemic affecting approximately 32 million Americans, will award an initial $1 Million investment between two efforts. The first is a joint project between Vedanta Biosciences, Inc., led by Rose Szabady PhD, and Massachusetts General Hospital, led by Wayne Shreffler MD, PhD. It will evaluate the immune mechanisms involved in and the effectiveness of VE416, a first-of-its-kind microbiota therapeutic to restore immune balance in the food allergic intestine. The second effort, led by Talal Chatila MD, PhD from Boston Children's Hospital, will look at the protective effect of targeting a new pathway to stop anaphylaxis. Both efforts have significant potential for targeted therapies offering long-term protection against food-induced anaphylaxis while simultaneously promoting oral immune tolerance. The awards event hosted by Bank of America Private Bank will take place on Thursday, February 27 in New York City.

End Allergies Together (E.A.T), a non-profit organization that funds research for the growing food allergy epidemic affecting approximately 32 million Americans, announces winners of $1 million Grand Challenge to end anaphylaxis. The awards event hosted by Bank of America Private Bank will take place on Thursday, February 27 in New York City.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Various parts of the body can be affected, and symptoms such as throat tightening or closure, trouble breathing, swollen mouth, hives, dizziness and vomiting can occur within minutes or up to two hours after coming into contact with the allergen. Up to 20 percent of patients have a second wave of symptoms, called biphasic anaphylaxis, hours or even days after their initial symptoms have subsided.

The most common anaphylactic reactions are to foods, but individuals can also react to insect stings, medication and latex. With the rates of food allergy affliction now at 1 in 10 people in the U.S. and over 250 million worldwide, the rate of anaphylaxis is increasing. Further, according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 39 percent of people with anaphylaxis may have had idiopathic anaphylaxis, a reaction that can not be explained by a known trigger.

"Anaphylaxis represents one of the most urgent of medical emergencies, in which rapid diagnosis and prompt and appropriate treatment can mean the difference between life and death Although there has been steady progress in our understanding especially in the context of mouse models of the disorder the basic clinical management of anaphylaxis has changed little in decades." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

The impact of anaphylaxis on the individual and their family can be significant. "The first time I saw my child have an anaphylactic reaction, I was changed forever," said Hillary Tolle Carter, Food Allergy Mother and Advocate. "You can no longer accept that food allergies are no big deal. It affects every aspect of your life. Every time food is involved you have to plan ahead, ask questions and be prepared with safe options for your child. The constant fear of that next anaphylactic reaction can take a serious toll on the entire family."

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E.A.T launched the Anaphylaxis Challenge in the spring of 2019 and brings together communities invested in preventing or ending life-threatening anaphylaxis. TheChallenge will accelerate progress by encouraging cooperation among those working within food allergy and across disease states to seek new and better solutions to take the life-threatening fear out of allergic reactions.

Dozens of researchers from private companies and public institutions entered The Challenge by submitting research business plans with potential solutions to help detect, prevent and/or better treat anaphylaxis (other than administering epinephrine). The award money will serve as seed funding to help accelerate andadvance the research and development required to bring these promising treatments closer to commercial viability.

Winner: Massachusetts General Hospital and Vedanta Biosciences, Inc.

"We are grateful for this recognition from E.A.T as we continuetoadvance our microbiome-derived product candidate for the potential treatment of food allergies in collaboration with Dr. Shreffler," said Rose Szabady Ph.D., Associate Director of Immunology, Vedanta Biosciences. "Mounting scientific evidence suggests that the microbiome plays an important role in food allergies, and this award recognizes the importance of further understanding the effects of the microbiota on the human immune system," continued Szabady. "We believe this work willshed light on the mechanisms by which our interventions modulate allergic immune response, and in turn, support continued development of our product candidate for patients seeking options other than avoidance."

Winner: Boston Children's Hospital

"We are most honored that our project was chosen by E.A.T's Panel. By targeting an immune mechanism central to the pathogenesis of food allergy and anaphylaxis, we aim not only to prevent this life-threatening complication but also to restore the immune system's tolerance to the allergenic foods," said Talal Chatila MD, PhD from Boston Children's Hospital. "We anticipate our studies will help bring forth a novel set of therapeutics for the treatment of food allergy-related anaphylaxis to the benefit of the patients and their families."

Honorable Mentions

The Challenge is a multi-year, multi-investment process whereby E.A.T, in collaboration with its Panelists, will provide funds, guidance and hands-on support to the most promising efforts. These include both the immediate awarding of $1 Million to the Winners as well as a commitment to partner with and consider future funding for a select group of Honorable Mentions which includes:

Dr. Joon Yun, M.D., an E.A.T Challenge Panelist and president of Palo Alto Investors explains the benefit of the Challenge model: "Grand Challenges can help nurture innovations in areas of unmet needs. The excitement and momentum associated with Grand Challenge competitions can help attract more attention, people, ideas, and funding to the issues of life-threatening anaphylaxis and food allergies."

Other distinguished Challenge Panelists include:

"I am extremely grateful to our Panelists who committed immense time, thought, analysis and heart to this process over the past six months," said Elise Bates, President and Cofounder of E.A.T. "With their guidance and expertise, we have an exciting outcome for this first phase of our Challenge. Both winners have a clear path ahead based on positive results from initial animal and human studies."

Kindly hosted by Bank of America Private Bank on Thursday, February 27, the awards event will feature the winners and their work as well as a discussion about investing in food allergies with E.A.T Panelists Dr. Eric Edwards and Dr. Joon Yun as well as a representative from Bank of America.

To inquire about this event, please email Tania@endallergiestogether.org

About End Allergies Together (E.A.T)

E.A.T is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused solely on raising money for food allergy research. E.A.T was cofounded in 2015 by Elise and Greg Bates and Kim and Tom Hall, who have children with severe food allergies, to help bridge the significant gap in research funding for this growing epidemic now affecting nearly 1 in 10 Americans and 250 million people globally. Since inception, E.A.T has committed to eleven promising research efforts across thirteen leading institutions.

Press Contacts: Kriskey + Lane Communications Susan Kriskey, susan@kriskeylane.com Marni Lane, marni@kriskeylane.com

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E.A.T Announces Winners of $1 Million Grand Challenge to End Anaphylaxis - Yahoo Finance

Immunology

Allergy & Asthma Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary with the Launch of New Website – P&T Community

ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Allergy & Asthma Center, the largest specialty practice serving pediatric and adult patients across the DMV, today unveiled its redesigned website commemorating its 25 years of dedication to delivering state-of-the-art allergy and asthma care for patients in a new up-to-date, highly-engaging website.

The new launch of premierallergist.com comes at a critical time when a patients' experience with a medical practice's website is just as important as their experience with the care they receive. Allergy & Asthma Center understood this, which prompted them to make an array of changes, not only in where their site lives and how it functions, but how visitors interact with content and, most important, the safety of patient information.

The most noted changes include:

"Launching the new website alongside celebrating our 25 years in business has been a great way to start the year," said Dr. Prasad Nataraj, Medical Director for Allergy & Asthma Center. Prospective patients deserve the best of both worlds their experience with our practice online and when they walk through our doors. This patient-centric thinking is what we strive to improve so that we can thrive for another 25!"

The new website was developed by PracticeBeat's best-in-class patient access, acquisition, and retention platform. For more information visit http://www.practicebeat.com.

About Allergy & Asthma CenterAllergy & Asthma Center, one of the largest single allergy, asthma and clinical immunology practices in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., was established by Prasad M. Nataraj, M.D. in 1995. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals offer treatment to both adults and children of all ages, and our 20 convenient locations span across Maryland and the DC Metro area. Both our staff and our specialists are passionate about adhering to core principles that make our practice exceptional, including: Patient-centered care, accessibility and availability, compassionate medical council, innovative medicine, attention to the underlying source of the problem, and patient empowerment and education. http://www.premierallergist.com

Media Contact:

Kathy Ruxton703.340.6343 234034@email4pr.com

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