Oral Immunotherapy for Food Allergic Patients

We wish our supporters well during these trying times. While there is no evidence to date that allergic disease including food allergy and asthma are negatively impacted by the virus, logistically our oral immunotherapy treatment has been challenged dramatically. Due to the closure of routine clinics in the Hospital for the month of April, several adjustments were made to our program. First, patients requiring doses from the laboratory were replenished with another month supply for home dosing until May, at which time the clinics reopened. Second, due to the social distancing requirements which limited the number of patients that could be seen in one day, our emphasis was to see first the patients that required further up-dosing to reach a level at which time actual food could be administered. We are returning to our normal routine with the anticipated lifting of restrictions.

Regarding our research programs, the International meeting scheduled in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in March, 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19. Our data, on the combinatorial use of diagnostic tests in lieu of oral food challenges to diagnose sesame food allergy, however, was published in abstract form, and we are in the process of submitting a full-length manuscript.   

The coming together of multiple disciplines and groups of people to fight Covid-19 highlights the synergistic effects of people working together towards a common goal.  

 Similarly, our supporters provide strength to our clinical and research programs far beyond their contributions and they are sincerely appreciated. We would also like to extend an invitation to visit our Institute from near and far (yes, when we are flying again).

 Be well.

 Thank you.