Trinity College scientists lead the way as they make breakthrough in cure for asthma and eczema
The disease effects almost 500,000 people in Ireland, with one person per week dying from the respiratory condition
A young woman using an asthma inhaler (Image: PA)
Trinity College scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the battle to treat asthma and several other allergic diseases.
The disease effects almost 500,000 people in Ireland, with one person per week dying from the respiratory condition.
Led by Professor Padraic Fallon, the team of scientists have identified a 'checkpoint' manned by immune cells, that if barred, can halt the development of the lung inflammation associated with allergies.
The discovery now provides a new target for drug developers to focus on.
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If successfully developed, new drugs could better control overly aggressive allergic responses.
Asthma currently contributes to an estimated economic burden of around €500m per year in Ireland, with the average affected adult missing around 12 days of work per year, due to the disease.
Trinity College Dublin (Image: Google)
Professor Fallon said: "This identification of an early stage cellular checkpoint that can act as a break on allergic responses has important implications for the development of new therapeutic approaches for asthma and other allergic diseases."
Treatment for other allergic diseases such as eczema may also stem from the latest discoveries.
Kevin Kelly of the Asthma Society of Ireland said: "This is a most interesting and positive development and one the Asthma Society of Ireland feels may potentially lead to a breakthrough in the treatment of asthma.
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"However, at this point it is important to stress to the public and those with asthma that we are most probably a number of years away from these findings being introduced into the everyday treatment of asthma as the process for new drug development and usage approval is a lengthy and complicated one.
"Nevertheless, the Asthma Society welcomes any research into the management and treatment of asthma and we look forward to seeing this research develop further, as asthma places a huge financial burden on those with the condition.
"It is great to see the involvement of Irish academics / medical researchers in this research project as Ireland has the fourth highest rate of asthma in the world."
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