New Asthma Treatment for Children Considered Promising?

April 24th, 2006

An international trial of a vaccine designed to prevent asthma from developing in young children is being tested in 200 babies and toddlers from the U.S. and Australia. The clinical trial could expand to Germany and Sweden, as well. All are receiving daily oral drops of common allergens over a one-year period.

All children receiving the oral vaccine are from families with a strong history of asthma or other allergies. They will be followed for three years to determine whether their immune system can be educated to prevent allergies that trigger asthma. The drops are similar to those used to treat patients with established allergies and are considered to be safe.

This first attempt to prevent young children from getting allergies is considered promising. If successful, children all over the world could benefit. Asthma can be a debilitating and life-threatening condition, and preventing it from developing early on would be a major breakthrough.

Source: ABC Online