B.C. researchers lead global discovery of gene variant behind severe, life-altering allergies
Individuals suffering from severe allergies have reason to celebrate, as doctors have uncovered a particular gene that could be causing the reactions – as well as a drug that can help treat it.
Sharma likened the gene variant to a runaway train or a musician who won’t stop playing: it won’t stop going and attacks everything in the body as if it’s an allergy. The doctors then turned to help from researchers across the world, and found 16 patients within six weeks, all with similar severe complications.On the left: Jesse’s hands before starting treatment. On the right: dramatic improvement after starting treatment
“Anytime something does work, you’re always a little cautious at first. You want to make sure that what you’re seeing is actually real. So you repeat the experiments again.”variant in each of the patients, doctors began testing different drugs. They discovered Dupilumab – used to treat asthma and eczema – effectively treated the patients in the study. Dupilumab helps act in one of the gene pathways and shuts down the “runaway train” behaviour.
“It feels great for us, but it’s even better for the patients,” said Sharma, commenting on how it feels to have uncovered this medical mystery.
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