All posts by Amity Westcott-Chavez

APFED Debuts New Podcast Series

Announcements, APFED Blog, Press Releases, What's New

“Real Talk: Eosinophilic Diseases” will feature free podcast conversations about living with eosinophil-associated diseases

(Atlanta, GA)—The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) has launched its new podcast series “Real Talk: Eosinophilic Diseases,” a conversational podcast series with featured guests on topics of interest to the eosinophilic disease community.

The podcast series kicks off with “Engaging Research,” an episode featuring Evan Dellon, MD, MPH, of University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Dellon will discuss the shift toward patient-led research for eosinophilic diseases.

Other upcoming episodes include:

  •  “The Impact of Chronic Illness on Relationships” with featured guest Barbara Kivowitz
  • “Self-Advocating with an Eosinophil-Disease” with featured guest Debbie Alves
  • “EGID Elimination Diets: Creative Strategies to Make Mealtimes More Engaging” with featured guest Holly Knotowicz, MS, CCC-SLP

Listeners may tune in to all episodes of the podcast series at apfed.org/podcast and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, and Audible.

“Our podcast series is designed to help people with eosinophil-associated diseases and their caregivers stay informed on the latest topics in research and care,” said APFED’s Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “We hope patients and families will tune for real conversations about research progress, self-advocacy, elimination diets, and other topics that matter to our community.”

APFED’s podcast is made possible thanks to the support of education partners Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, and Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron.

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://apfed.org/

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APFED Announces Recipient for 2021 Hope Pilot Grant Award

APFED Blog, Press Releases, What's New

New research project will investigate the role of detergents in the pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

 The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is pleased to announce that Benjamin L. Wright, MD will be the recipient of the organization’s HOPE Pilot Grant award this year.  Dr. Wright, an allergist and clinical immunologist at Mayo Clinic Arizona and Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Assistant Professor at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, will receive $50,000 in funding from APFED over a two-year period for his promising research study titled “The Role of Detergents in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”

Dr. Wright’s research will explore the potential effects of common household detergents on the esophageal mucosal barrier. The mucosal barrier is the specialized tissue that lines or coats the esophagus and protects it from potentially injurious agents. This layer is leaky in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), which allows foods to stimulate inflammation, including eosinophil infiltration.

To test the project’s hypothesis, Dr. Wright’s team will evaluate the effects that detergents have on esophageal tissue in vitro and compare the results with samples obtained from EoE subjects and controls. Researchers will employ several novel techniques in this study, including the minimally invasive esophageal string test to collect samples.

The goal of the project is to better understand the mechanisms of EoE development and gain a specific understanding of how environmental factors such as detergents may contribute to this process.

“We are excited to support Dr. Wright’s project and are eager to learn the findings,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “We are grateful for the generous donors who recognize the importance of investing in research that helps us to better understand eosinophil-associated diseases Unlocking answers as to how EoE might develop brings us closer to curing the condition.”

“I am humbled by this award and indebted to my colleagues, mentors, and family whose efforts and sacrifice have enabled this research,” shared Dr. Wright.  “I am also grateful for my patients who serve as a constant source of motivation and inspiration to understand and cure EoE.”

APFED’s competitive research grant program, HOPE on the Horizon, is supported entirely by donations.  Grant recipients are selected through a competitive peer-reviewed process. Applicants are invited to submit a novel research idea that shows promise and conforms to the APFED mission to improve the lives of those living with eosinophil-associated diseases. These proposals are then reviewed and scored by an ad-hoc panels of expert reviewers, which guides APFED to select the most impactful projects with innovative ideas to fund. Successful grantees demonstrate a plan and the potential to receive subsequent, larger funding for their project.

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. apfed.org

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APFED to Host Virtual Patient Education Conference on Eosinophil-Associated Diseases, July 14-16, 2021

APFED Blog, Press Releases, What's New

EOS Connection 2021 will feature the latest research developments, practical management strategies, and opportunities for attendees to connect on an all-virtual platform

(Atlanta, GA)—The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) will host its 19th annual patient education conference, which features a three-day virtual program on eosinophil-associated diseases.

EOS Connection 2021 will provide a full conference experience using state-of-the-art virtual meeting technology. Patients, caregivers, families, advocates, healthcare providers, researchers, and education partners can learn and connect in the online environment that includes a theater to watch presentations, a poster hall highlighting new research, a networking lounge where attendees can interact, a new chat feature via text or video, and an exhibit hall where attendees can interact with conference partners, access resources and learn about products, services, and enrolling clinical trials.

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 higher-than-normal number of eosinophils cause inflammation and damage to tissues and organs. These chronic diseases require lifelong treatment and symptoms may be debilitating.

The live virtual events for EOS Connection 2021 will take place July 14- 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time each day. Presentations from expert speakers will include sessions on research advancements in eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases and dietary therapies, as well as presentations specific to other subsets of eosinophil-associated diseases, including but not limited to eosinophilic asthma.  Attendees will also have opportunities to participate in live Q&A with the majority of presenters. After the live events conclude, recordings of the presentations and the poster and exhibit halls will continue to be available to attendees for on-demand access.

“This year’s agenda addresses a broad range of topics of importance to the eosinophilic disease community, and we’re grateful to our presenters, partners, and collaborators at CEGIR for the opportunity to deliver such an innovative and dynamic virtual education experience,” said APFED’s Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “We are pleased that the virtual format allows EOS Connection to once again widen our audience and become a true global event.”

Complimentary admission to EOS Connection 2021 is available to all APFED members.

EOS Connection 2021 is made possible thanks to the generous support of APFED’s Education Partners, including Presenting Partner Takeda; Diamond Partner Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron; Platinum Partners Allakos, AstraZeneca, Abbott, Ellodi Pharmaceuticals, and Mead Johnson Nutrition; and Gold Partners Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Nutricia Neocate®, and Revolo Biotherapeutics.

To register for EOS Connection 2021, 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://apfed.org/

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National Eosinophil Awareness Week (May 16-22, 2021) Recognizes Impact of Eosinophil-Associated Diseases

Announcements, APFED Blog, Press Releases, What's New

The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) will celebrate the 14th annual National Eosinophil Awareness Week (NEAW) from May 16-22, 2021. APFED is engaging people across the world to raise awareness of eosinophil-associated diseases.

Eosinophils (pronounced “ee-oh-sin-oh-fills”) are a type of white blood cell. They are part of the immune system and are involved in a number of conditions, including allergies and certain infections and inflammatory conditions. When a person has too many eosinophils, without a known cause, they may have an eosinophil-associated disease.

Eosinophil-associated diseases are rare and chronic conditions that require long-term management. Many patients experience delayed diagnosis. The diagnosis depends on where in the body the eosinophils are found. Eosinophil-associated diseases can be debilitating and impact quality of life. The conditions affect both adults and children.

In 2007, the third week of May was officially recognized as National Eosinophil Awareness Week when the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Bill 296. It is a special time in which patients, caregivers, health care providers, and organizations increase efforts to raise public awareness about these conditions.

“Every day, we are inspired by the resilience and strength of individuals with eosinophil-associated diseases and the family members who care for them,” said APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “During National Eosinophil Awareness Week, sharing our stories offers hope to those who are affected and disseminating educational information helps the public understand the challenges of living with these conditions. With education and awareness, the diagnostic timeline decreases, suffering decreases, and research becomes better supported.”

APFED is grateful to its education partners for supporting its 2021 celebration of National Eosinophil Awareness Week. This includes Arena Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers SquibbTM, GlaxoSmithKline, Nutricia, the makers of NeocateⓇ, Sanofi Genzyme, Regeneron, and Takeda. Their support provides APFED with means to increase dissemination of educational materials to patients, providers, and the public.

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

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.

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Update on EoE Research Co-Funded by APFED

Announcements, APFED Blog, What's New

Important new research that may help identify the foods that cause eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) was recently published in the medical journal Allergy. The research study, co-funded by the 2020 Hope APFED/AAAAI Grant Award, is led by senior author David A. Hill, MD, PhD, an attending physician with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Division of Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Hill recently shared this summary of his research findings with APFED:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic food allergy that affects the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The disease occurs when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, accumulate in the esophagus causing pain and injury.

Specific foods cause EoE, but currently there are no tests to quickly and easily identify which foods are responsible for this disease in a particular individual. Instead, patients are treated with a combination of proton-pump inhibitors, elimination diets, and steroids with recurrent endoscopies to determine whether and how well treatment is working.

Given that the current management strategy often takes significant time to reduce symptoms, the Hill Lab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia sought to develop a simple test that could pinpoint foods that cause EoE early in the course of disease so that those foods could be eliminated. To do so, we used EoE milk allergy as a proxy, and looked for immune signatures that would identify EoE milk allergy when compared to healthy children. Our team found that patients with EoE milk allergy had elevated milk-dependent memory T helper cells, and that these cells produced more of a cytokine known as interleukin-4 that contributes to allergy. The elevation of these biomarkers occurred whether the patient had stopped consuming milk or was still actively consuming it.

This finding, if applied to a regularly used assay, could help determine not only what foods an individual should avoid, but also guide timing on reintroducing causal foods, since emerging evidence shows that some children can outgrow EoE after long periods of food avoidance. The test would involve a simple blood draw and could yield accurate results quickly.

Future studies will be aimed at validating this approach in a prospective trial, and determining whether similar assays could apply to other foods that cause EoE. We are very grateful to the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders for their support of this work and other research in our laboratory aimed at developing tools for the diagnosis and treatment of EoE.