Yearly Archives: 2024

2024 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

APFED Blog, Research, What's New

The 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) was held Oct. 24-28 in Boston. The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals.

APFED has a booth in the exhibit hall to share resources and patient education about eosinophil-associated disease with attendees.

We were excited to see a number of sessions for eosinophil-associated disease on the meeting’s agenda this year, including a Friday morning panel that provided attendees with updates in EoE and a review of guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and talks about ongoing EoE management and monitoring, risk factors, and new treatment options.

There were also opportunities to learn about eosinophilic inflammation, and a number of research posters that were presented on topics such as EoE, eosinophilic gastritis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, eosinophilic asthma, and EGPA.

Several oral abstracts were presented and Dr. Krishan Chhiba, MD, PhD from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine won the Clemens von Pirquet Abstract Award for the oral research abstract describing Transcriptomic Responses to Dietary Elimination in Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Across Adult and Pediatric Populations. This study is the first to compare gene activity (using RNA sequencing) in children and adults with EoE who responded favorably to diet elimination. The researchers found unique gene expression patterns specific to adults with EoE, as well as a “Diet Response score” that stays consistent regardless of age. These discoveries could help doctors predict how well individual EoE patients might respond to diet therapy, making treatment more personalized and potentially more effective.

Research highlights from other oral abstracts are as follows:

  • “Risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis with preexisting asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, or food allergy” showed that all atopic risk factors studied as part of this research raised the risk of developing EoE, with food allergies showing the highest risk.
  • “Efficacy of benralizumab and mepolizumab on asthma outcomes in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis” showcased data showing that asthma-related outcomes in patients with EGPA improved with benralizumab and mepolizumab regardless of baseline dose inhaled corticosteroid.
  • A number of oral abstracts focused on dupilumab for EoE. One highlighted research showing efficacy of dupilumab in children with EoE with and without atopic comorbidities. Another described how this drug helps improve health measures in people with EoE and affects various immune cells, including eosinophils to restore their development and function.
  • The findings of the abstract entitled, “Effect of budesonide oral suspension on dysphagia severity outcomes in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis” suggest that BOS improves dysphagia severity as early as week 4 of treatment, and another entitled, “Effect of corticosteroid use on outcomes in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis receiving budesonide oral suspension” found the medication to be efficacious over 12 weeks versus placebo, irrespective of prior corticosteroid use for EoE.
  • An abstract describing one center’s case series of eosinophilic fasciitis in pediatric patients found via ICD10 codes that APFED advocated to have established, and from 2000 to 2024 and a total of 11 cases of EF were diagnosed in pediatric patients this study provides valuable insight into the varying presenting symptoms, diagnostic findings, and treatment responses that can be seen in EF in the pediatric population.
  • An abstract described how mepolizumab treatment allowed patients with HES and EGPA to reduce their long-term use of oral steroids and improved symptoms in affected organs, showing benefits beyond just needing less medication.

 

To learn more about the ACAAI and its annual meeting this year, or to browse the program, oral abstract summaries, and eposters, visit https://annualmeeting.acaai.org/2024/index.cfm.

APFED Announces Two 2024 HOPE Pilot Grant Award Recipients

Announcements, APFED Blog, Media Info, Press Releases, Research, What's New

(Atlanta, GA)— The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is proud to announce that, thanks to the generosity of donors, the organization has awarded two 2024 HOPE Pilot Grant Awards. This year’s grant recipients are David A. Hill, MD, PhD, and Marie-Pier Tetreault, PhD. Drs. Hill and Tetreault will each receive $100,000 from APFED for a two-year project. The grant recipients were announced on Friday, July 12 at APFED’s EOS Connection Patient Education Conference on Eosinophil-Associated Diseases in Bethesda, Maryland.

Grant recipient Dr. David Hill of the Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, received funding for his project entitled, “Development of Novel Diagnostics for the Identification of EoE-causal Foods.”

Dr. Hill’s team has been engaged in the development of new diagnostics that seek to accurately identify foods that cause eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The funded project will study three new minimally invasive blood tests that are designed to identify immune responses to soy, wheat, and egg. If successful, these tests will aid doctors and families in identifying and avoiding causal foods, accelerating the diagnostic and treatment process from years to months.

“This work will improve our understanding of allergen-specific T cell responses in patients with EoE while providing critical data for the next generation of EoE diagnostic tools,” shared Dr. Hill.  “The findings have the potential to fundamentally change the clinical management of EoE and positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients living with this debilitating eosinophilic disorder.”

The other recipient of APFED’s HOPE Pilot Grant Award is Dr. Marie-Pier Tetreault, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, who received funding for her project entitled, “Investigating Treatment Effects on Molecular Targets of Basal Cell Hyperplasia/Adaptive Differentiation for Advanced Personalized Therapies in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”

Dr. Tetreault’s project aims to explore how certain key proteins involved in cell development influence the severity and treatment response of EoE. Specifically, her research seeks to understand the regulatory mechanisms of basal cell hyperplasia persistence after treatment. By better understanding these processes, her team hopes to develop new treatments that could more effectively manage symptoms and improve outcomes for patients with this challenging condition.

“My team is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute significantly to the diagnostics and treatment of EoE through the APFED Hope 2024 funding,” shared Dr. Tetreault. “We believe our findings will lead to novel treatment strategies, providing much-needed relief to those afflicted by this complex condition.”

Recipients of APFED’s HOPE Pilot Grant Award are chosen through a competitive peer-review process, which is how premier scientific funding agencies like the National Institutes of Health ensure top-level research in the field is funded. The grant was established to support researchers as they initiate new, innovative projects relevant to eosinophil-associated diseases that are likely to be impactful.

An ad-hoc committee of volunteer peer reviewers, experts in the field of eosinophil-associated disease research, review and score each proposal APFED receives for funding consideration. This rigorous process helps APFED to identify the best research that will have the biggest impact to best to direct donor dollars.

APFED is grateful for donors and community fundraisers that have supported the HOPE on the Horizon Research Grant Program. The advances toward a better understanding of eosinophil-associated diseases, non-invasive and accurate diagnostics, and therapeutic targets are not possible without the generosity of donations to this program.

About the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to passionately embrace, support, and improve the lives of patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated diseases through education and awareness, research, support, and advocacy. www.apfed.org

 

 

Honoring Dr. Ikuo Hirano

Announcements

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr. Ikuo Hirano, a trusted APFED medical advisor and pioneer in the field of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, has passed away.

Dr. Hirano was Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and was Program Director for Gastroenterology Fellowship. He had more than 30 years of experience and was an author of more than 200 scientific papers and textbook chapters and conducted many clinical trials in our quest for treatment options.

Dr. Hirano also made many incredible strides for advancing care for adults with EGID, significantly contributing to the way EGIDs are studied, diagnosed, and managed today. He was passionate about awareness of these conditions among the health care community, and teaching both medical colleagues and patients how to recognize, diagnose and optimally treat these diseases.

A fierce advocate for patients, Dr. Hirano was kind and generous with both his time and talent. He will be missed, but fondly remembered, and will continue to leave his mark on the world through both his life’s accomplishments and his impact on those he helped. Our thoughts and hearts are with all those who loved Dr. Hirano. His legacy will live on through our unwavering effort to advance APFED’s mission to educate, advocate, and advance research.

 

Patient Education Conference on Eosinophil-Associated Diseases Comes to Washington, DC Area and Online July 11-13, 2024  

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EOS Connection 2024 is a hybrid conference featuring expert-led sessions and networking opportunities

(Atlanta, GA)— Patients, families, caregivers, experts, and advocates will soon gather at the 2024 EOS Connection conference, a unique event designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and needs.

Taking place July 11-13, the event offers both online and onsite participation in Bethesda, Maryland, making it accessible to all interested in learning more about eosinophil-associated diseases. This year marks the 22nd year that the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) has hosted this annual patient education conference for families living with these conditions.

Collaborating on this year’s EOS Connection conference is the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Pediatric Eosinophilic Disorders, the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers, Mount Sinai Center for Eosinophilic Disorders at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City, and the Multidisciplinary Eosinophilic GI Disease Clinic at University of Virginia.

Eosinophil-associated diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by elevated levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in one or more specific areas of the body. The elevated number of eosinophils causes inflammation and damage to surrounding tissues and organs. These conditions require lifelong medical care and symptoms can be debilitating.

The conference will provide a patient-centered program that highlights important information in the clinical and research areas.  Attendees will learn the latest advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of eosinophil-associated diseases, research updates, and practical strategies to help people better manage their condition.  The conference also provides social opportunities for families and special programming for children and teens who attend onsite.

“APFED strives to empower patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated diseases through education, support, and advocacy,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “EOS Connection provides a vital platform for sharing the latest advancements and fostering a strong, supportive community. We are excited to offer both onsite and virtual participation options this year, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and engage.”

APFED is working with a number of Education Partners, including Sanofi, Regeneron, and Takeda, to bring this opportunity to patients and families.

“We’re proud to partner again with the APFED for the EOS Connection Patient Conference,” said Piya Sircar, US Head of Rhinology, Gastroenterology, & Allergy at Sanofi. “The conference not only provides valuable education and resources but also fosters a sense of unity and collaboration within the patient community.”

“Sponsoring this important patient conference aligns with our commitment to patients and research into eosinophilic esophagitis and other eosinophil-associated diseases,” said Amr Radwan, Executive Director of Global Medical Affairs for Immunology and Inflammation at Regeneron. “We thank APFED for their ongoing advocacy and education efforts, and we are looking forward to the incredible conference program ahead.”

“We believe in the power of community and knowledge-sharing, which is why we are delighted to support the EOS Connection Conference in bringing together patients, their families and healthcare professionals to gain a deeper understanding of eosinophil-associated diseases and advancements in patient care,” said Jackie Henze, vice president, head of the GI Rare Franchise and New Product Launches, Takeda.

Other Education Partners supporting in the event include but are not limited to AstraZeneca, Ellodi Pharmaceutical, Bristol Myers Squibb™, and Reckitt Mead Johnson Nutrition.

To learn more and register for EOS Connection 2024, please visit: apfed.org/conference.

About the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to passionately embrace, support, and improve the lives of patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated diseases through education and awareness, research, support, and advocacy.  https://www.APFED.org

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Shining a Light on Eosinophil-Associated Diseases

Announcements, APFED Blog, In the News, Mobile_Friendly, Press Releases, What's New

Atlanta, GA (May 14, 2024) – The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is celebrating the 3rd annual World Eosinophilic Diseases Day (WEDD) on May 18, and the 17th annual National Eosinophil Awareness Week (NEAW) May 19-25, 2024.

Eosinophils (pronounced “ee-oh-sin-oh-fills”) are a type of white blood cell that play a role in immune system responses. Typically, eosinophils make up less than 5% of circulating white blood cells, but many different conditions can cause the body to make too many eosinophils, including but not limited to allergies (food and environmental), certain infections (caused by parasites), certain cancers.

When a person has too many eosinophils in their digestive system, tissues, organs, and/or bloodstream, without a known cause, it may be because of an eosinophil-associated disease. The diagnosis depends on where in the body the eosinophils are found. Eosinophils may affect different parts of the body, including but not limited to the gastrointestinal tract, heart, sinuses, blood, lungs, bladder, and connective tissue.

Eosinophil-associated diseases are chronic conditions that require long-term management. The symptoms may be debilitating and impact quality of life. Both adults and children may be affected and many subsets of eosinophil-associated diseases are rare.

In celebration of World Eosinophilic Diseases Day and National Eosinophil Awareness Week 2024, more than 50 landmarks in more than 40 states will be lighting up magenta, the color of eosinophilic disease awareness. These landmarks include bridges, sports stadiums, and tourist attractions, to name a few. A complete list of lightings, as well as suggested activities for individuals and groups to celebrate these special events appears at apfed.org/neaw.

Another way APFED will elevate awareness this month is by launching a public awareness campaign on the digital display of NASDAQ Tower in New York City from May 19-26. This campaign will teach people common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a subset of eosinophil-associated diseases that affects the esophagus, which can make swallowing food difficult or uncomfortable. The ad will appear in rotation, 4 times an hour during the campaign period. The opportunity was made possible thanks to grants from Sanofi, Regeneron, and Takeda.

APFED is asking members of the public to help raise awareness by taking photos of special lightings they see, or in front of the digital billboard at NASDAQ Tower, and sharing the photos on social media using the #NEAW #eosaware hashtags.

“As a patient community, we’re thrilled to see the spotlight shining brightly on eosinophil-associated diseases during World Eosinophilic Diseases Day and National Eosinophil Awareness Week,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “These events not only raise awareness and improve symptom recognition, but also provide a sense of unity and support for those navigating the challenges of living with these conditions. Together, we can amplify our voices and advocate for greater understanding, research, and support.”

“Increasing awareness of eosinophil-associated diseases is crucial in ensuring early detection and management,” said Mirna Chehade, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, and founding director of the Mount Sinai Center for Eosinophilic Disorders at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City. “Events like World Eosinophilic Diseases Day and National Eosinophil Awareness Week help educate the public and healthcare providers alike, fostering a better understanding of these complex disorders. We hope that this will improve the lives of affected patients and their families.”

To learn more about eosinophil-associated diseases and ways to celebrate World Eosinophilic Diseases Day and National Eosinophil Awareness Week, please visit apfed.org/NEAW.

APFED is grateful for the support of its education partners during its 2024 celebration of National Eosinophil Awareness Week. This includes Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers SquibbTM, EvoEndo®, GlaxoSmithKline, Reckitt Mead Johnson, Sanofi, Regeneron, and Takeda. Their support provides APFED with the means to create and disseminate educational materials to patients, providers, and the public with broad outreach.

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About American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED)
Founded in 2001, the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and supports patients and families affected by eosinophil-associated disorders, by providing education, creating awareness, supporting research, and promoting advocacy. To learn more, visit apfed.org.