Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and airway hyper-responsiveness with clinical signs such as recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. As asthma morbidity and mortality have increased, so has the importance of controlling this disease. Asthma is estimated to affect between 100 and 150 million people worldwide. Therefore, it is apparent that asthma is a significant disease from both a medical and economic perspective.
The inhalation of dust in the household or at the workplace has been recognized as potentially hazardous for homeowners and workers, respectively. Particularly, it has been shown that when dust is disturbed occupants are exposed transiently to higher dust borne mite allergens. It has been roundly suggested that dust mite allergen present in household dusts are the major allergen causing allergic asthma today.
EEC Model: Dust Mite Allergen Model
Dust Mite Allergen Chamber: Dust mite allergen is known as a major factor in the pathogenesis of asthma worldwide and is present on particles that range in size from submicron to >100 microns in diameter. To date, few dust mite allergen exposure studies have been performed due in large part to the inability to ensure subject exposure to house dust mite allergen in a continuous, controlled and long-term challenge. ARI has a patent pending on novel technologies which create a dust mite allergen chamber of high caliber with reproducible dust mite allergen levels similar to those found under natural conditions typical of indoor environments of subjects encounter at home, school and work. This EEC will allow the study of investigational drugs which may provide reductions in the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations in this dust mite sensitive population of asthmatics. We have made significant research developments which have published and presented at the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). This chamber has been validated to high standards typical of all chambers at ARI.
Dust Mite Allergen Challenge Clinical Model: To date, the study of subjects with asthma has not been performed in a natural setting such as that in the EEC but rather has been studied with high or low dose inhalation allergen challenge in which allergen is nebulized on small droplets into the lungs of patients. We are currently developing this clinical model in collaboration with team of leading world experts in the science of dust mite allergen and asthma toward the development of a more natural clinical model in which respiratory outcomes can be reproduced and monitored toward the assessment of therapeutic interventions. This process is currently patent pending.
EEC Model: Cat Dander Allergen Model
Cat Dander Allergen Chamber: Cat dander allergen is a common cause of allergic rhinitis and has also been known as a contributing factor in the exacerbation of asthma. We are in advanced development of an EEC in which cat dander allergen concentration is tightly controlled at levels typical of household exposures. This EEC will allow the study of investigational drugs which may provide efficacy in the treatment of both allergic rhinitis as well as allergy-induced asthma in the cat dander sensitive population.
Cat Dander Allergen Challenge Clinical Model: ARI is working with the innovators of the cat allergen exposure model to study mild asthmatics allergic to cat dander allergen in a more natural setting of the EEC.
Interested in learning how this innovative technology can help with your clinical development? Please contact us.