Six-Week Shot Regimen Shows Promise Against Ragweed Allergy

A study released Thursday described a potential breakthrough for the tens of millions of Americans who suffer from seasonal ragweed allergy and do not respond to standard medications.

When common treatments such as antihistamines or corticosteroids fail, doctors have traditionally turned to allergen immunotherapy injections, a course that can stretch over three to five years.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, led by Dr. Peter Creticos, developed a new approach based on the primary ragweed allergen Amb a 1. The experimental regimen requires only one injection per week across six weeks, yet still delivers meaningful relief from symptoms.

National Institutes of Health director Elias Zerhouni noted that as many as 40 million Americans deal with seasonal allergies linked to airborne pollens from grasses, trees, and weeds, calling new therapies an "important research goal." Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said a shorter course that provides lasting relief "will significantly improve the quality of life for many people."

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in October 2006, in its own words.