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58 HEALTH ALLERGIES FROM PAGE 56 stock shortages, while those diagnosed with anaphylaxis during shortages were left with no life-saving medication. “Having another supplier guarantees an alternative device option should we experience a shortage of one adrenaline injector or the other.” Allergy Concepts co-founder and Managing Director Martin Naef says the inclusion of Anapen on the ARTG represents a major milestone in meeting a key finding of the Parliamentary Inquiry into allergies and anaphylaxis. “One of the key committee findings from the Parliamentary Inquiry was the need for the introduction of alternative adrenaline autoinjectors to the Australian market, to prevent future stock shortages,” he said. “The introduction of Anapen represents the first significant step towards addressing this issue. We’re excited to be the only company in Australia offering a complete product line – for children weighing 15kg right up to adults weighing 60kg or more. “This marks an important innovation milestone in the management of allergy and anaphylaxis in this country, and reinforces Allergy Concepts’ commitment to providing more treatment options and solutions to Australian healthcare professionals and their patients.” Anapen contains a pre-filled adrenaline (epinephrine) syringe in an auto-injection device, manufactured by Bioprojet Pharma in Europe. The Anapen is intended for immediate self-administration by an individual with a history of anaphylaxis, and is designed to deliver a single dose of 150/300/500mcg of epinephrine. The administration technique for Anapen is significantly different to that for other auto-injector devices, as it’s triggered by pushing a red button with the thumb. Further information • Anapen Anapen autoinjectors are available in 150, 300 and 500mcg doses. When used, each Anapen delivers a single, intramuscular dose of adrenaline to the outermid thigh. The Anapen devices should be stored below 25C, but not refrigerated, and have a shelf life of up to 24 months. Device training and education for patients and carers will be available through Allergy Concepts, A&AA and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). Allergy Concepts is a privately owned Australian company specialising in allergy treatments. • FAQs The peak medical body, ASCIA, has created a frequently asked questions document around Covid vaccines and people with allergic and immune conditions. The document can be viewed at: allergy.org.au/patients/ascia- covid-19-vaccination-faq • Anaphylaxis webinar A&AA has created a webinar where Professor Michaela Lucas, immunologist and clinician-scientist with expertise spanning T cell immunology and vaccine development, and Professor Michael Gold, paediatric allergist and immunologist, discuss the risks to people with allergies. The free webinar is available at: allergyfacts.org.au/ resources/webinars/covid-q-and-a- webinar PBS support for those with allergies causing severe asthma A fully human monoclonal antibody has been PBS listed for Australians with severe asthma. People with asthma that remains uncontrolled despite the use of high- dose steroid medication will now have subsidised access to the first biologic therapy to target two key proteins responsible for the underlying type 2 inflammation of the disease. The PBS listing of Dupixent (dupilumab) for about 1700 patients aged over 12 years with severe uncontrolled asthma caused by type 2 inflammation means that doctors can, for the first time, offer a treatment that specifically targets two key proteins: interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), which drive the inflammatory response in the airways of 50-70 per cent of patients with severe asthma (allergic or eosinophilic). Dupixent is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signalling of the IL-4 and IL-13 pathways. IL-4 and IL-13 are key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation that plays a central role in allergic and eosinophilic asthma, as well as atopic dermatitis. “Traditionally, clinicians have treated a particular phenotype of asthma, but it’s well accepted that most patients with severe disease have a mixture of phenotypes,” said Associate Professor David Langton, Director of Thoracic Medicine at Peninsula Health. “By targeting two cytokines responsible for type 2 inflammation, Dupixent makes it possible to treat patients with severe uncontrolled asthma, regardless of whether they have allergic or eosinophilic asthma, or a mixture of both. “As our understanding of the cause of severe and uncontrolled asthma increases, so too does our ability to target and counter the immune-driven inflammatory response. “Alongside improved lung function and fewer exacerbations, Dupixent can reduce the need for oral corticosteroids – an important goal of treatment.” RETAIL PHARMACY • JUN 2021