DBV-Technologies – medical research that could make the lives of allergy sufferers a lot more bearable!

Most people have experienced some form of discomfort connected with an allergy at some point in their lives. It might just be a bit of a runny nose when the hay fever season starts or a mild rash when coming into contact with household pets. However, for some people, allergies are an altogether more serious business. At www.dbv-technologies.com/en you can learn more about the efforts of one French company, DBV-Technologies, to bring relief to those suffering from peanut, cows’ milk protein, egg and house dust mite allergies. They are working upon a range of products: you can find out more at http://www.dbv-technologies.com/en/viaskin-products.

Their main focus is on the Viaskin patch (shown below). Worn on the patient’s arm, the patch works by releasing the allergen with which the patch surface has been coated, into the body through the skin. A condensation chamber moisturizes the skin, solubilizing the hitherto dry protein compound (the allergen). This allergen enters the Langerhans cells in the skin and thus begins the process of ‘desensitization’ – ensuring that over time, the body will no longer react in the same way to whatever substance is triggering the patient’s allergic reaction.