New Study Underway Could Offer Hope for Cat Allergy
Sufferers who don’t Find Relief from Current Treatments
With record cold temperatures hitting North America this
winter, many people and their pets are stuck indoors for long periods of time.
For the millions of Americans allergic to their cats, this can lead to
intensified symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and runny or blocked
nose.
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It is estimated that one-quarter of the population may suffer from cat allergies. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology a common and year-long condition in which exposure to cat allergens such as dander (shedding skin cells) provoke unpleasant and often disruptive symptoms. There are 77 sites across the United States and Canada participating in CATALYST, which is designed to determine whether the investigational medicine can effectively treat the symptoms of moderate to severe cat allergies with people who live with cats and have been diagnosed with the condition for at least two years.
Many people with cat allergies try managing their symptoms with prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and decongestants. Sufferers with moderate to severe cat allergies may undergo a series of allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, which works by trying to teach the immune system to tolerate cat allergens rather than fight them. Allergen immunotherapy typically begins with once- or twice-weekly injections for several months and gradually tapers in frequency to once monthly, but for as long as 3-5 years. Currently available treatment options are associated with poor patient compliance and high potential for side-effects.
In the CATALYST Study, researchers are investigating a different
approach to allergen immunotherapy to determine whether the investigational
medicine can provide sustained allergen tolerance and corresponding symptom
relief over an extended period with only four or eight doses of immunotherapy.
To potentially qualify for the CATALYST Study, participants
must be between the ages of 12 and 65, have a cat at home and have been
diagnosed with a cat allergy for at least two years. Participation does not
require insurance, and participants will receive all study exams and medication
at no cost. Compensation for time and travel may also be provided. To find out
if you qualify, please visit www.thecatallergystudy.com, or call 1-844-CAT-STUDY.
In full Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the CATALYST study, I was paid to feature this content. I only feature topics that I feel are important to my readers, regardless of whether or not I receive payment to do so.
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