Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno’s Post

Emerging, challenging, and critical: Thyroid eye disease is one of the newest frontiers in Ora’s portfolio. The challenge: TED’s wide-ranging symptoms and variable progression make consistent endpoints and reliable measurements tough to achieve. Our approach: Ora combines deep ophthalmic trial expertise with rigorous imaging, clinical assessments, and standardised protocols to bring clarity to this complex indication. By partnering closely with investigators and sponsors, we help accelerate therapies that improve outcomes for patients living with TED. From our roots in ocular allergy to emerging indications like TED, Ora continues to lead with innovation and patient focus. #IndicationSpotlight #ThyroidEyeDisease #OphthalmologyResearch #ClinicalTrials #TeamOra

Current AATD management strategies include lifestyle modifications. For example, smoking accelerates lung disease so patients should be directed to stop smoking. Obesity and alcohol promote liver fibrosis, so maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding alcohol is recommended. 🫁 As previously mentioned, augmentation therapy is indicated for specific patients with AATD-related lung disease. Several vaccinations can be considered in terms of preventing lung infection and liver disease (hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses).14 In this module, a gastroenterology/hepatology expert discusses the pathophysiology of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management strategies, and data on emerging therapies for treating AATD and its related liver and lung diseases. Review the full module here and earn CE/CME: https://bit.ly/4mOEaxC #CE #CME #MedicalEducation

Molecule Spotlight: IgE: The Parasite Antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a powerful antibody in humans, best known for its role in allergies, but its evolutionary “day job” is fighting parasites. When helminths (worms like Schistosoma or Ascaris) invade, IgE binds to parasite antigens and arms immune cells such as eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells. These cells then release toxic granules and inflammatory mediators that help damage or expel the parasite. In regions where parasitic infections are common, IgE levels are often very high, a reflection of the body’s ongoing battle with these invaders. Interestingly, the same IgE responses that protect us from parasites can also “misfire,” leading to allergic diseases like asthma or hay fever in parasite-free environments. This dual role makes IgE a fascinating example of how evolution shapes our immune system, balancing defense and disease. #ParasiteWatch #MoleculeSpotlight #Parasitology #Immunology #GlobalHealth #InfectiousDiseases #Helminths #SciComm

💨 Everyday nasal spray shows surprising power against COVID—and more A simple over-the-counter nasal spray, already used worldwide for allergies, may also protect against COVID-19. In a phase 2 clinical trial led by Saarland University, Germany, researchers tested azelastine, a medication available in more than 70 countries. Over eight weeks, only 2.2% of people using the spray contracted COVID-19—compared to 6.7% in the placebo group. That’s a two-thirds reduction in cases. Even more intriguing, azelastine also appeared to reduce symptomatic infections, respiratory illnesses, and even rhinoviruses (the common cold), hinting at broader antiviral effects. Scientists think the spray works by blocking viral replication directly in the nose and upper airways—the entry point for most respiratory pathogens. Because it’s already approved for hay fever and allergies, azelastine could become an accessible, low-cost preventive option. While it’s not yet authorized as a COVID treatment, researchers say it may be especially useful for vulnerable individuals and during seasonal surges of respiratory infections. Larger, multicenter studies are now needed to confirm these results. 📖 Source: Lehr T, Meiser P, Selzer D, et al. Azelastine Nasal Spray for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infections: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Internal Medicine, September 2, 2025. credit: Science Explorist #COVID19 #NasalSpray #Azelastine #RespiratoryHealth #Virology #PublicHealth #ClinicalTrials #InfectionPrevention #ScienceNews #MedicalResearch

Dr. Ronald Klatz, MD, DO Worldhealth.net Researchers finally identified where gluten reactions begin: #gut lining cells actively present gluten fragments to immune cells, triggering celiac disease. This breakthrough opens doors to targeted therapies beyond strict gluten avoidance. Millions may benefit. #worldhealth #celiacdisease #glutenfree #autoimmunity #guthealth #immunology #medicalresearch #regenerativemedicine #medicine #health #wellness #antiaging https://lnkd.in/gpjb5-TY

"Researchers in Austria have built a molecular chip that can identify which allergens trigger people’s asthma, paving the way for targeted immunotherapy treatments." #engineering #healthcare

Airway diseases including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and rhinosinusitis are complex and require different approaches to treatment. Here’s how monoclonal antibody treatments are changing approaches. https://lnkd.in/gAssrC9y #airwaydisease #asthma #chronicbronchitis #rhinosinusitis

https://lnkd.in/gZR9-FTj A Korean research team has found that red ginseng may help improve respiratory health, including alleviating asthma symptoms, by modulating immune responses through dendritic cells. The researchers reported that red ginseng extract influences the activity of dendritic cells, which serve as the immune system’s gatekeepers by detecting bacteria, viruses, and allergens and relaying these antigens to T cells to trigger immune reactions.

For people with weakened immune systems, infections aren’t all equal. Tularemia — a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis — poses unique challenges in this population. In our latest article, we explore: • Why pulmonary symptoms are more common and more severe in immunocompromised patients • The diagnostic hurdles: low culture yield, the promise of PCR methods • Treatment strategies (antibiotics like quinolones, aminoglycosides) and outcomes • Practical prevention tips for high-risk environments #tularemia, #immunocompromised, #zoonoticdisease, #diagnosis, #PCRtesting, #pulmonaryinfection, #antibiotictherapy, #exposureprevention Check out the full article here: How Does Tularemia Impact Individuals With Weakened Immune Systems? 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_7pQiNV

While histamine intolerance is on the milder to moderate side of the spectrum, Mastocytosis is the most severe form of mast cell issues. Unlike mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), mast cell mastocytosis is often overlooked, taking patients nearly a decade to get diagnosed. Symptoms often span multiple organs and can include skin rashes, gastrointestinal distress, and life-threatening anaphylaxis. To dive into this topic, I’m joined by Dr. Mariana Castells, M.D., Ph.D., a physician and researcher at Brigham and Women's Hospital with over 30 years of experience in allergy and immunology. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: - What is mastocytosis (and why it’s so often missed) - Shocking link between bone loss + mast cell MCAS disorders - Early warning signs to look for - Why high-histamine foods aren't your biggest histamine problem - Newest mastocytosis treatment options - If you suspect MCAS mast cell or Mastocytosis, here are your next steps! FULL EPISODE: https://lnkd.in/eYQqwjxs