All posts by Mary Jo Strobel

Promising Results of Cendakimab to Treat EoE

Research, What's New

The findings from a phase 3 clinical trial for a potential treatment called cendakimab were recently released at two medical conferences. Cendakimab is a biologic medicine that targets a protein called interleukin 13. This specific protein is a key mediator of type 2 inflammation and contributes to eosinophil recruitment, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and fibrosis (scarring).

The findings showed that cendakimab reduced symptoms and inflammation in the esophagus for adults and teens with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Treatment with cendakimab also improved key endoscopic and histologic features, even in those who did not have success with steroid treatment, or an intolerance to steroids.

These results were presented at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2024 in October and additionally showed cendakimab to be generally safe and well tolerated through 24 weeks of treatment.

Additional findings from the phase 3 study for cendakimab were also presented in October at the 2024 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology. The findings confirm cendakimab’s efficacy (symptom & inflammation reduction), safety & tolerability through 48 weeks of treatment

Cendakimab is being developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

 

APFED Welcomes Deborah Bruner to its Board of Directors

Press Releases

For immediate release

APFED Welcomes Deborah Bruner to its Board of Directors
Long-time Advocate Joins Board of Eosinophil-Associated Diseases Nonprofit

ATLANTA, GA, October 2024—The Board of Directors of the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) announces the appointment of new board secretary Deborah Bruner, MT, MBA. Mrs. Bruner will play a key part in organizing communications among APFED’s board, shaping APFED’s strategic initiatives, and representing APFED and the patient voice as we work together with the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (rdcrn.org/cegir) to advance these diseases.

Mrs. Bruner has had a successful career spanning nearly 40 years. An accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry with diverse background in clinical, regulatory, safety and product development, she has been recognized for cultural and global insight, analytical skills, and effective team-building.

Mrs. Bruner also has first-hand experience with eosinophil-associated disease, having lived a number of years with eosinophilic esophagitis and eosinophilic asthma. She has publicly shared her experiences with these conditions to patients, families, clinicians and researchers to foster a better understanding of the impacts.

“As a new member of APFED’s board, I am truly excited to contribute to the organization’s mission. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members to drive innovation, make strategic decisions, and support the organization’s growth. Together, I believe we can make a meaningful impact and achieve great things,” Mrs. Bruner shares.

“We are excited to welcome Deb Bruner to our Board of Directors,” said APFED President Dr. Wendy Book. “Her extensive experience and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow, expand, and provide impactful programs and services designed to help people who live with eosinophil-associated disease.”

About APFED
Founded in 2001, the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) is a non-profit organization dedicated to patients and their families coping with eosinophilic disorders. APFED’s 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

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

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.