Brochure about the FORALLVENT Project for download (2MB)

The prevalence of asthma and allergies in urban Europe is very high. Meanwhile, in some rural areas asthma and allergies are almost non-existent. Given the strong and consistent research results identifying allergy prevention factors, exploitation of the findings to develop novel preventive and therapeutic trategies is in order. Yet, until now very little exchange has occurred between researchers and product manufacturers.

The aim of the FORALLVENT project is therefore to help close the gap between the research on allergic diseases and the practical application of its results. It will achieve this aim by creating a communication forum to discuss research findings and commercial development opportunities. The goal is to aid the development of strategies to prevent and/or clinically treat allergic diseases. Potential exists in the formulation of specialized foods.

An interdisciplinary expert group will brainstorm on the most promising innovative strategies for the development of preventive and therapeutic approaches involving science and industry. Particular attention will be paid to the development of a formula which protects against allergies. Furthermore, an in vivo test system will be created by securing the right to reassess children enrolled in a birth cohort study called PASTURE. The children in the study can be reassessed in an environment rich in microbial exposure at the age of six years. Hypotheses formulated in the expert groups can then be confirmed or refuted in vivo.

The results of the collected information shall be disseminated to the relevant interest groups. These groups include potential industry partners, trade associations, patient organisations, policy making bodies and the general public. The communication will be performed by a professional media company, through target-orientated publications, fact sheets and a website.

Type of project: International project

Contact person - international:
Erika von Mutius
Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich
Germany
Erika.Von.Mutius at med.uni-muenchen.de

Contact person - Switzerland:
Charlotte Braun-Fahrländer
University of Basel
Switzerland
c.braun at unibas.ch

Main research area: Food Quality and Safety

Project duration: 01.09.2006 / 28.02.2009