A team led by Associate Researcher Mey-Fann Lee from Taichung Veterans General Hospital has successfully developed a desensitization skin patch targeting allergic reactions to biting midges. By introducing the DNA of the primary allergen of biting midges into the skin, the patch induces the body to produce protective antibodies, providing both prevention and treatment for midge allergies. This innovative approach promises to be a more convenient and effective treatment method.

Biting Midges Proliferate, Traditional Measures Fall Short

Studies indicate that around 60% of individuals bitten by biting midges experience severe allergic reactions, including intense itching and, in some cases, serious symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes. Current desensitization treatments involve subcutaneous injections of allergen extracts (proteins), which are time-consuming and require assistance from medical professionals, limiting their practicality for widespread midge control.

Cutting-Edge DNA Desensitization: Patches Precisely Induce Immune Response

The desensitization patch utilizes allergen-specific immunotherapy, introducing the primary allergen gene (For t 2 DNA) of biting midges through skin absorption. This gene is then translated into the For t 2 protein, which stimulates the immune system to produce IgG antibodies against the For t 2 protein. This process enables the immune system to recognize the protein and develop long-term immune protection, effectively preventing and treating allergic inflammatory reactions to biting midges.

Compared to traditional desensitization therapies that directly use allergen proteins, the DNA patch offers several advantages:

-High Safety: The patch only contacts the skin, reducing infection risks.

-Fewer Side Effects: It directly targets specific allergens for immune modulation, minimizing severe allergic reactions.

-Easy Storage: The patches are easy to produce and store efficiently.

-Convenient Use: Individuals can use the patches at home without needing medical assistance.

Clinical Trials Commence, Bringing Desensitization Patches Closer to Widespread Use

Associate Researcher Mey-Fann Lee noted that animal experiments have shown that using the patch once a week for an hour over three weeks can achieve long-term protection, which translates to approximately ten years of human treatment. The patch has already obtained a Taiwanese invention patent and has been approved for Phase I human clinical trials. These double-blind trials will evaluate the patch's safety and efficacy in humans, with the goal of making it widely available to provide comprehensive protection for the public.

Resource (mandarin): 叮咬免除紅腫癢！中榮研發小黑蚊減敏貼片，以DNA誘發IgG抗體，實現長期免疫！