All posts by Amity Westcott-Chavez

APFED Announces 2020 HOPE Pilot Grant Recipient

Press Releases, What's New

Funded study will examine the role of QSOX1 in the pathogenesis of eosinophil-related diseases

ATLANTA, GA— The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) has awarded a 2020 HOPE Pilot Grant Award for promising research studying eosinophil-associated disease to Praveen Akuthota, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego Health.

Dr. Akuthota will receive $50,000 from APFED over a two-year period. His research project will explore the role of quiescin-sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX1), which is an enzyme that influences oxidation and inflammation in different disease states.

Based on preliminary data from his lab that supports a role for QSOX1 in the pathogenesis of eosinophil-related diseases, Dr. Akuthota’s team will examine the mechanical properties of QSOX1 and whether interleukin-3 (a protein that induces inflammation) can stimulate QSOX1 release from eosinophils. His team will also measure QSOX1 in human samples from eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic asthma.

This research could identify a novel mechanism in the pathophysiology of eosinophilic asthma and has the potential to uncover a unique biomarker of the disease.

APFED’s HOPE Pilot grants 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.

In addition, APFED is currently accepting applications for a 2021 HOPE Pilot Grant award. This award will provide a total of $50,000 over a 2-year period. Investigators from a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply. Letters of Intent are due on January 15, 2021, and applications are due on March 1, 2021. For details and to submit an application, visit https://apfed.org/research/grant-application-for-researchers/.

To learn more about APFED’s HOPE on the Horizon Research Program and projects that APFED has funded, please visit apfed.org.

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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Lirentelimab Shows Promise as a Future Therapy for EG/EGE/EoD

APFED Blog, Research, What's New

In a publication in the October 22, 2020 issue of New England Journal of Medicine, researchers describe results from a phase 2 trial of AK002 (now assigned the generic medication name lirentelimab) in patients with eosinophilic gastritis (EG) and eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD). These conditions are characterized by high counts of eosinophils and mast cells in the stomach and duodenum. Eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD) is a newer and more specific term for eosinophilic gastroenteritis when the first part of the small bowel, the duodenum, is primarily involved (the stomach may or may not be involved at the same time).

Lirentelimab, currently an infusion therapy (delivered through an IV line), is an antibody that targets a receptor known as Siglec-8 and leads to depletion of eosinophils and inhibition of mast cells. Dr. Dellon at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Dr. Kathryn Peterson from the University of Utah co-led a team conducting this trial of symptomatic adults with EG, EoD, or both to determine the effectiveness of this potential therapy for these subsets of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease. The results are promising: Study participants receiving the therapy were shown to have significant decreases of the eosinophil counts in their tissue, as well as substantial symptom improvement compared to those who took placebo.

This study is the first randomized trial for people with EG and EoD, who often struggle with limited, often ineffective treatment options, including corticosteroids, dietary therapy, or a combination of both.

We recently had the opportunity for a brief interview with one of the study’s co-leaders, Dr. Dellon to learn more about this research:

APFED: On average, how long did it take for patients in the trial who were taking AK002 to see relief of symptoms?

Dr. Dellon: In the active treatment arm, symptom improvement compared to placebo was seen as early as 1 week after the initial infusion.  After this, there was a continued and sustained decrease in symptoms through the course of the study.

APFED: Did the drug appear to be well-tolerated overall?

Dr. Dellon: Yes, the drug was tolerated well overall.  The main thing that was noted more commonly in the active treatment arm was infusion reactions, most of which were mild to moderate, and generally occurred with the first infusion.  Efforts are under way to minimize these reactions in the future.  There were no other side effects that were more commonly seen in the active compared to the placebo arms.

APFED: What is the impact of this study for patients and for members of the medical community?

Dr. Dellon: One main impact for patients and the medical community is HOPE!  This is the first randomized trial to ever be performed in a non-EoE EGID, and the results were so promising that the medication has already moved into phase 3 testing, which is required for drug approval.  Another impact is that this study provides the understanding that targeting the Siglec-8 pathway is a good treatment strategy in EG/EoD, and will likely be a good strategy in EoE as well.

A phase-3 study of lirentelimab for EG/EoD is now underway, as well as a phase 2/3 study to evaluate effectiveness of this therapy in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Learn more about clinical trials that are actively enrolling patients, including AK002.

Read related press release from UNC School of Medicine.

References and Resources

Dellon ES, Peterson KA, et. al. “Anti–Siglec-8 Antibody for Eosinophilic Gastritis and Duodenitis”. N Engl J Med 2020; 383:1624-1634, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2012047

APFED’s Virtual Hike for HOPE Weekend (October 17-18, 2020)

APFED Blog, Press Releases, What's New

For Immediate Release


APFED Contact: Mary Jo Strobel, Executive Director, (713) 493-7749, mjstrobel@apfed.org

APFED’s Virtual Hike for HOPE Weekend Unites Eosinophilic Disease Community (October 17-18, 2020)

Event will help APFED fund research initiatives to advance eosinophil-associated diseases

(Atlanta, GA)— The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) invites patients, families, and supporters to gather together virtually on October 17 and 18 for the first national Hike for HOPE event. All proceeds will benefit APFED’s HOPE on the Horizon Research Program, which awards grants for innovative research proposals designed to lead to a better understanding of eosinophil-associated diseases

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.

Hike for HOPE participants can download and use the free Charity Miles app on their smartphone and join APFED’s hike team to track the team’s collective miles. They can then share with family and friends that they are participating in this virtual event and ask for their support by donating to APFED.

On Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, participants are encouraged to open the Charity Miles app to track their activities (walking, running, biking, dancing, or any activity they wish). APFED will award prizes to the top three registered participants who have the highest total dollar amount (minimum $200) of donations made to APFED in their honor by October 24, 2020.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping our community, patients, and their loved ones from funding critical research efforts and safely raising awareness in their communities,” shared APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “Every participant has an opportunity to make an incredible impact in our fight to end eosinophil-associated diseases, just by getting moving during our Hike for HOPE weekend.”

APFED’s participation in Charity Miles is made possible thanks to the generous support of Takeda.

To register for the virtual Hike for HOPE event, learn more, or make a donation, visit: apfed.org/events/hike-for-hope/.

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 Will Host Virtual Patient Education Conference on Eosinophil-associated Diseases, July 9-11, 2020

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

EOS Connection 2020 offers the latest in science and research on eosinophil-associated diseases, practical management strategies, and an opportunity to connect with others

(Atlanta, GA)—The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) will host its 18th Annual Patient Education Conference on Eosinophil-Associated Diseases using an all-virtual format for the first time.

EOS Connection 2020 will leverage state-of-the-art virtual meeting technology to provide a full conference experience, bringing together patients, caregivers, families, advocates, healthcare providers, researchers, and education partners to learn and network in an online environment.

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 EOS Connection 2020 virtual conference hall will be open on July 9, 10, and 11 from 11:30 A.M. to 3:45 P.M. Eastern Time. Presentations from expert speakers will include diagnostic and treatment advances in eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID), dietary management, and coping, as well as presentations on other rare eosinophil-associated diseases, such as eosinophilic fasciitis and episodic angioedema with eosinophilia.  Attendees have opportunities to participate in live Q&A.

APFED’s conference this year will break new ground in online education and engagement for the eosinophil-associated disease community. Closely replicating a physical event, the program will enable attendees to attend talks in the theater, participate in live Q&A, connect in the Networking Lounge, explore presentations in the poster hall, and engage with partners and collaborators in the exhibit hall where additional resources may be found at the booths.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are replacing our live in-person event and are embracing the opportunity to offer a virtual education experience in a fresh and innovative way,” said APFED’s Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “We are grateful for the time, effort, and flexibility of the presenters and our partners, and to our collaborators at the University of California San Diego and the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers, as well as the many investigators who will be presenting their work at EOS Connection 2020. We look forward to welcoming our community members to our online event.”

Complimentary admission to EOS Connection 2020 is offered to all APFED members, including its free subscribers and new joiners.

EOS Connection 2020 is made possible thanks to the generous support of APFED’s Education Partners, including Presenting Partner EleCare®; Platinum Partners AstraZeneca, Sanofi Genzyme, and Regeneron; and Gold Partners Adare Pharmaceuticals, Allakos, Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Neocate®, and Takeda.

To register for EOS Connection 2020, please visit: apfed.org/eosconnection2020.

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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A Statement from APFED

Announcements, APFED Blog, What's New

We are deeply saddened by recent events in America. APFED stands united and unwavering against discrimination, prejudice, and inequality. We recognize the emotional and physical harm caused by racism and discrimination and we are committed in our resolve for positive change.

As a patient advocacy organization, we recognize that health inequities are intertwined with systemic racism. To be effective patient advocates, we must strive for equal and affordable access to specialists, tests, medical foods, clinical trials, and treatments, in order to improve health-related outcomes for everyone.

APFED stands for equity in health care and research, and we look forward to continuing the conversation on how these issues can be addressed. In the interim, we will continue to make information and educational resources freely available through outreach efforts across the nation.

We also encourage our community members to continue sharing with us their experiences and journeys so that we may better understand unmet needs in order to more effectively advocate for our community. If you have questions, comments or would like to share your experiences, please contact us at support@apfed.org.