Movement on Dillon’s Law, Delay for Epinephrine Nasal Spray
The push to make epinephrine more widely available to help prevent tragedies from anaphylaxis got a boost this month as Dillon’s Law was introduced in Congress. Meanwhile, the FDA delayed approval of epinephrine nasal spray as the agency seeks more information. Read about these developments, as well as research opportunities in this issue.
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Time and season can impact a person’s ability to manage their asthma and allergies. Each September there is an “epidemic” of asthma-related hospital stays caused by changes in weather, worsening pollen seasons, and exposure to respiratory viruses. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is committed to addressing these challenges head-on through our research and advocacy efforts. We cannot meet the ever-changing needs of our community without understanding what matters most to people with asthma and allergies and championing policies that would improve their lives. AAFA’s research and advocacy initiatives are designed to inspire change and turn knowledge into action.
Will you become a changemaker today by making a gift in support of our research and advocacy efforts?
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Currently, epinephrine is only available in devices that use needles. A nasal spray would give people managing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) more options. And as AAFA told the FDA earlier this year, people at risk of anaphylaxis deserve to have a choice in treatment. In an AAFA study on food allergies in 2019, nearly three out of four people reported not using or receiving a dose of epinephrine during a recent severe allergic reaction. Fear of epinephrine and needle phobia are significant reasons why people are hesitant or delay treatment for a condition that requires immediate action.
Drug safety and efficacy are important to patients and caregivers. Epinephrine itself has a long-proven safety record. The FDA has requested an additional study on epinephrine nasal spray use by people with allergic rhinitis — which could further delay neffy from getting approval by at least a year.
We hope epinephrine drug manufacturers and the FDA are able to find solutions to bring options without needles to the market sooner rather than later. However, AAFA encourages support for the scientific process for drug development and urges participation in future clinical trials.
If you or your child have a fear of injections, read our tips on how to become more comfortable using your current treatment option for anaphylaxis.
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More asthma and allergy research news:
Asthma
Flu
EoE
EGPA
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Do you or your child have Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES)? The NATRON study is now enrolling patients 12 and older.
Those who qualify may receive:
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Study-related care from local doctors at no cost
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Study medication at no cost
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Reimbursement for reasonable trial-related travel expenses
There is no obligation, so answer a few questions now to see if you or your child may qualify to participate.
Sponsored by AstraZeneca
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Would you like to contribute to important new research? SUNRISE is a clinical study investigating whether a new biologic treatment called tezepelumab may help to reduce or remove the need for OCS in adults with severe asthma. The study is looking for people who:
- Are between 18 and 80 years of age
- Have had an asthma diagnosis for at least 1 year
- Have been taking OCS for asthma for at least 6 months
- Have been using inhaled corticosteroids for at least a year, and a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) for at least 3 months
- Have not been receiving any biologic treatment for asthma for at least 4 months
Sponsored by AstraZeneca
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Researchers at Texas Woman’s University want to learn more about adolescent asthma self-management. The researchers would like to understand the experiences and perspectives of teens and young adults living with asthma. Participants will have a chance to speak about their asthma control, asthma tools, and experiences. The study format will be a private interview. Interviews will take place via Zoom.
Who may qualify to participate in this study?
- Person living with asthma
- 12-21 years old
- English speaker
The study participants will be given:
Participation is voluntary. You can stop the sessions at any time. There is a potential risk for loss of confidentiality in all email downloading, electronic meetings, and internet transactions. If you have further questions about the study, please call Elif Isik (PhD, RN) at 713-794-2109 or email her at eisik@twu.edu. |
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AAFA is looking for people who manage chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) to interview for a research project. The interview will provide an opportunity for you to share your firsthand experiences and needs managing CSU. Collected feedback will help AAFA develop and improve our CSU resources.
The discussion should take about 30-45 minutes and can be scheduled at your convenience. If you are chosen to participate in an interview, we will pay you for your time. If you would like to participate in an interview, please take this quick survey to see if you are eligible.
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AAFA wants to expand information about eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE)! Please reach out to us if you have experience with EGE and would be interested in learning more about our research opportunities.
EGE is a condition in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, causes injury and inflammation to the stomach and small intestine. It is different from EoE, which causes damage to the esophagus.
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Named after Dillon Meuller, Dillon’s Law is a bipartisan bill that will encourage states to make epinephrine widely available so people can help prevent tragedies from anaphylaxis.
“No one should die from anaphylaxis. Dillon’s Law will help save lives by creating opportunities for people to be trained and to administer life-saving epinephrine to a person who is experiencing a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction,” said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of AAFA. “Dillon’s Law also removes the threat of civil litigation for a good Samaritan who jumps in to administer epinephrine in an emergency. If Dillon’s Law passes, a bystander won’t have to think twice about helping someone needing immediate administration of epinephrine in an emergency.”
Watch for more information on how you can support Dillon’s Law soon.
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AAFA is offering our AME online course at a reduced rate of $25 through October! Earn 8.75 contact hours and advance your knowledge about asthma diagnosis, management, and treatment guidelines.
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Asthma and Atopic Dermatitis CME Programs
- The burden of uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma
- Type-2 inflammation in asthma pathophysiology
- The current data on the efficacy and safety of biologics for treating asthma
- How to identify patients who could benefit from biologics
Watch on demand now.
Endophenotypes, Evidence, and Long-Term Outcomes in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Management: A Decision Library
During this program, an expert panel discussed:
- Alignment of therapeutic decisions to clinical endotypes in patients of different age groups and race
- Evidence-based treatment recommendations to achieve long-term disease control
- Strategies to encourage shared decision-making with patients
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Check out our previous issue to learn about Asthma Peak Month, AAFA's 2023 Asthma Capitals, healthier home resources, and more.
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