Is champagne allergen free? Well, it certainly is if you have a yeast sensitivity.

In the April issue of Foods Matter, the UK’s only magazine for those with allergies or intolerances - Hayley Tink examines potential allergens in wine and how to avoid them.

Plus - the practical management of atopic eczema in children - and research reports, allergen free recipes and product assessments.

Articles in the April Foods Matter also include:

- The Practical Management of Atopic Eczema in Children
Ann Marie Powell, Consultant Dermatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital suggests a management plan for eczematous children

- Autism: new insights
John Scott reviews recent research and treatment possibilities.

Each issue carries up to the minute research reports across the whole allergy spectrum - in April these included

- ‘Smart’ garments for eczema
- Self-report drug reactions
- Antibiotics of dubious value in childhood ear infections
- Mother’s exposure to chemicals leads to asthma

as well as the regular recipes, tastings of new products and giveaways!

Foods Matter is read by professionals and patients alike. It is both authoritative and supportive.

Available on subscription only - ￡29.95 per annum (12 issues plus new subscriber pack) for an ongoing subscription.

Foods Matter

Indoor and outdoor allergies affect about 50 million people in the United States.(1)(2) Yet, according to “Attitudes About Allergies,” a national telephone survey, allergies are often disregarded as a nuisance: in today’s society allergies get little respect. As a result, allergy sufferers continue to cope needlessly with not only the physical impact of allergies, but the emotional effects as well. The survey was commissioned by Schering-Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and conducted by Harris Interactive(R). Three separate surveys were conducted: a survey of more than 1,000 consumers, which included allergy sufferers and non-allergy sufferers; a survey of more than 1,000 allergy sufferers only; and a survey of 300 physicians.

The survey of consumers found that they view diabetes (81 percent), hypertension or high blood pressure (76 percent) and arthritis (57 percent) as more serious than indoor and outdoor allergies. Twenty-nine percent of consumers said they view insomnia as more serious than indoor and outdoor allergies. In addition, while the survey of consumers found that seventy-eight percent feel sorry for allergy sufferers, more than a third (36 percent) believe that allergy sufferers overstate the severity of their symptoms and thirty percent say allergy sufferers use allergies as an excuse to get out of something.

“Allergies are often disregarded in our society, making it acceptable to tell allergy sufferers to ‘get on with it’ and not complain,” said Belinda Borrelli, PhD, associate professor, department of psychiatry and human behavior, Brown Medical School and The Miriam Hospital. “But allergies take an emotional toll on the sufferer. And despite that, sufferers persevere, going to work, school and social engagements as if nothing is wrong. Many don’t feel like it would be acceptable to call in sick or change plans because of their allergies.”

The survey of allergy sufferers found that about half (48 percent) feel their spouse or significant other does not view their allergies to be a serious health condition. Sufferers also perceive others as not taking their allergies that seriously, saying their relatives (81 percent), friends (86 percent) and co-workers (78 percent) view their allergies as a somewhat serious or not serious health condition. Even their physicians, they say, are ambivalent. The survey of allergy sufferers found that nearly three quarters (74 percent) believe that their doctor views their allergies as a somewhat serious or not serious health condition.

But clearly, that’s not the case. According to the survey of physicians who treat allergies, a majority of physicians (84 percent) said in general, patients do not overstate allergy symptoms. In addition, most physicians view insomnia (83 percent) and osteoarthritis (69 percent) as being less serious or equally as serious as allergies. Physicians report they view diabetes (90 percent) and hypertension (84 percent) as being more serious than allergies.

“Societal ambivalence toward allergies has impacted the management of the disease,” said David Lang, M.D., Section Head Allergy/Immunology Respiratory Institute at Cleveland Clinic. “It’s true that allergies aren’t life threatening, but they are quality of life-threatening on both physical and emotional levels.”

According to the survey of allergy sufferers, only about a third (34 percent) go to see a doctor for treatment when their symptoms are bothering them.

“It’s absolutely crucial for allergy sufferers to begin a dialogue with their physicians so that, together, they can address and overcome the barriers keeping them from finding effective relief,” said Jennifer Derebery, M.D., clinical professor of otolaryngology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

The survey of allergy sufferers also shed new light on the often hidden emotional impact of allergy symptoms. According to the survey, six in 10 sufferers (62 percent) report that their symptoms impact their mood. The sufferer survey also found that when experiencing symptoms about half (51 percent) say they feel annoyed; forty-eight percent say they feel irritable (48 percent); forty-two percent say they feel frustrated. And, two in 10 (22 percent) report that their allergy symptoms make them feel less attractive; nineteen percent feel self-conscious (19 percent).

“We need to empower people with allergies to speak up and treat their allergies as what they are — a medical condition that can have difficult and sometimes debilitating effects,” said Mike Tringale, director of external affairs, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “Allergy sufferers should feel comfortable talking about their symptoms with their family, friends and healthcare providers.”

For complete survey results, please visit http://www.AttitudesAboutAllergies.com.

About Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis affects more than 50 million people in the United States(1)(2) and accounts for more than 14 million physician office visits each year.(3) It is one of the most costly chronic illnesses in the United States(4) and is estimated to cause 100 million days of lost work per year.(5)

There are two forms of allergic rhinitis: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (often referred to as “hay-fever”) occurs only during certain times of the year and is commonly caused by allergies to tree, grass and weed pollen. Perennial allergic rhinitis can occur throughout the year and is caused by frequent exposure to allergens such as animal dander, indoor mold spores or house dust mites.(6)

Allergic rhinitis results when the immune system comes in contact with an allergen, such as dust mites, animal dander or pollen, and mistakenly identifies it as an intruder.(7) An allergic reaction results, involving the body’s release of various inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, as a defense against the allergens, causing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itching of the palate, eyes and nose.(8)

About the Attitudes About Allergies Steering Committee

Guidance to the development of the survey was provided by the Attitudes About Allergies Steering Committee including Belinda Borelli, PhD, associate professor, department of psychiatry and human behavior, Brown Medical School and The Miriam Hospital; Jennifer Derebery, M.D., clinical professor of otolaryngology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles; David Lang, M.D., Section Head Allergy/Immunology Respiratory Institute at Cleveland Clinic; and Mike Tringale, director of external affairs, Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America.

About the Attitudes About Allergies: Omnibus Survey

This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Schering- Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and is based on telephone interviews conducted January 10 - 20, 2008 with 1,007 adults 18 years or older throughout the United States including 551 with indoor or outdoor allergies and 454 without indoor or outdoor allergies. Two adults reported they did not know if they had either indoor or outdoor allergies and were excluded from the results. All telephone interviewing was conducted using random digit dialing (RDD) methodology. The data are weighted to be representative of U.S. adults 18 years of age or older. The sampling error for this survey is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

About the Attitudes About Allergies: Allergy Sufferer Survey

This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Schering- Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and is based on telephone interviews conducted January 8 - 23, 2008, with 1,006 adults 18 years or older throughout the United States who suffer from indoor or outdoor allergies. All telephone interviewing was conducted using random digit dialing (RDD) methodology. The data are weighted to be representative of U.S. adults 18 years of age or older who have indoor or outdoor allergies. The sampling error for this survey is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

About the Attitudes About Allergies: Physician Survey

This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Schering- Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and is based on telephone interviews conducted January 8 - February 1, 2008, with 302 physicians who treat patients with allergic rhinitis. The physician sample included 102 primary care physicians, 100 allergists, and 100 otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists). The total sample of physicians was weighted to be representative of the population of physicians in the U.S. who treat patients with allergic rhinitis. The sampling error for this survey is plus or minus 5.8 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

About Harris Interactive(R)

Harris Interactive is one of the largest and fastest-growing market research firms in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll(R), one of the longest running, independent opinion polls, and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world’s largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its North American, European and Asian offices, and through a global network of independent market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com.

References:

1 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Topic of the Month: March 2007: Spring & Allergic Rhinitis. Available at http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0307/ Accessed August 1, 2007.

2 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Tips to Remember: Rhinitis. Available at http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/rhinitis.stm. Accessed August 1, 2007.

3 CDC. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2004 Emergency Department Summary.

4 Goetzel R, et al. Health, absence, disability, and presenteeism cost estimates of certain physical and mental health conditions affecting U.S. employers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2004;46:398-412.

5 Bellanti JA, Wallerstedt DB. Allergic rhinitis update: epidemiology and natural history. Allergy Asthma Proc 2000;21:367-370.

6 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Tips to Remember: Rhinitis. Available at http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/rhinitis.stm. Accessed July 25, 2007

7 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Tips to Remember: Rhinitis. Available at http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/rhinitis.stm. Accessed July 25, 2007

Schering-Plough
http://www.schering-plough.com

Data presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) suggests that the continuous use of intranasal corticosteroid Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide) Nasal Spray had no treatment effect on stature-for age distribution among children aged 2-5 years old with year-round allergic rhinitis.

“Continuous use of intranasal corticosteroids in the treatment of very young children with allergic rhinitis has in the past raised concerns regarding potential effects on growth,” said study investigator Dr. Paul Ratner, Medical Director, Sylvana Research Associates, San Antonio, Texas. “I am encouraged by the results which showed that following 6 month treatment with Nasacort AQ, the stature-for-age distribution did not appear to shift compared to pretreatment in children aged 2-5 years who suffer from year-round allergies.”

This is one of the first controlled studies in the U.S. designed to investigate both the efficacy and safety of intranasal corticosteroid treatment in children aged 2-5 years with year-round allergies. The trial included a four-week, multicenter, double-blind treatment period during which 433 children were randomized to receive either Nasacort AQ 110 μg or placebo as 1 spray per nostril once daily. After four weeks, 353 patients entered into a 6-month open label phase receiving treatment with once-daily Nasacort AQ. Height was measured at Visit 1 to establish a baseline, Visit 4 after the initial 4 weeks, and Visit 8 when the 6-month open label period completed. The treatment-emergent adverse event profile was similar between the Nasacort AQ group and placebo group, and consistent with the profile in children 6 years of age and older. To participate in the study, patients had to have year-round allergic rhinitis.

Height was measured at each office visit using a stadiometer, an instrument for measuring height. After the four-week double-blind period, no treatment effect was seen in adjusted mean height increase SE (p=0.4086) between children treated with Nasacort AQ (0.62 0.224 cm; n=217) and those receiving placebo (0.38 0.225 cm; n=216). After the 6-month open label period (Visit 8), the adjusted mean increase in height was 3.62 + 0.693 cm. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth standards, the distribution of patients by height-for-age percentile remained constant from Visit 1 to Visit 8. At Visit 1, 6.2% of children were in the 95th percentile versus 7.4% at Visit 8. At both Visit 1 and Visit 8, 87.3% of children (n=308) fell between the 5th and 95th percentile.

The study was submitted as part of a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Nasacort AQ in children aged 2 - 5 years, which was recently accepted for review by the FDA.

About CDC Growth Charts

The CDC growth charts consist of a series of percentile curves that illustrate the distribution of selected body measurements in U.S. children. The charts provide health professionals with a tool to compare growth in infants, children, and adolescents with a nationally representative reference based on children of all ages and racial or ethnic groups. The CDC growth charts were updated in 2000.

About Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a swelling of the nasal passages, usually accompanied by sneezing, watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. This medical condition is caused by an allergic reaction to allergens such as house dust, animal dander, or pollen. On any given day, 10,000 American children miss school because of allergic rhinitis, for a total of 2 million lost school days.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT : SAN) and in New York (NYSE : SNY). http://en.sanofi-aventis.com/index.asp

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis’ management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in sanofi-aventis’ annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

A team of Penn State University researchers is the first to demonstrate that lipid molecules in cell membranes participate in mammals’ reactions to allergens in a living cell. The finding will help scientists better understand how allergy symptoms are triggered, and could contribute to the creation of improved drugs to treat them. The work will be reported in the 14 March issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

The team studied clusters of cholesterol-rich lipid molecules that they believe serve as platforms for the receptors that receive antibodies, the proteins that protect the body from allergens. In this case, the team examined IgE antibodies, which upon binding to their receptors initiate a cell’s release of histamine–the substance that causes the unpleasant, but beneficial, mucous production, congestion, and itchiness associated with allergies. “This research is basically the molecular foundation for why many people sneeze in the spring,” said Ahmed Heikal, an associate professor in the Department of Bioengineering and a leader of the project.

While the idea that lipid clusters–also known as lipid domains–are involved in the allergic response is not new, the Penn State team is the first to document this connection in a living cell under physiological conditions. “No one has observed the domains in action because they are too small and too transient–held together by very weak molecular interactions–to be viewed with a light microscope,” said Erin Sheets, a Penn State assistant professor of chemistry who also is a leader of the project. “To overcome this challenge,” added Heikal, “we used a combination of imaging and spectroscopy techniques that we are developing in our laboratories.

In their experiment, the researchers first labeled the cell membrane and IgE antibodies with two different fluorescent tags. Next, they introduced an allergen and watched as it bound to receptors on the cell membrane, thus initiating an allergic response.

But to demonstrate that this activity was taking place within the lipid domain, the researchers had to take advantage of a property of fluorescence, called fluorescence lifetime, in which molecules are excited with very short laser pulses. The length of time a molecule remains in its excited state before emitting a photon–the fluorescence lifetime–provides unique information about the fluorescently-labeled molecule’s environment and its chemical structure. For example, a particular molecule might relax to its lowest-energy state quickly or slowly depending on whether it is exposed to a solvent.

“We previously showed that our fluorescently-labeled membrane probe has a longer lifetime within a cholesterol-rich lipid domain,” said Sheets. “Here we show that changes in this lifetime follow the changes that occur during the first steps in the allergic response process. Our results also show that lipid domains in the cell membrane associate with IgE antibodies and their receptors in the initial stages of an allergic reaction.”

In the future, Sheets and Heikal plan to apply the team’s discoveries to a project involving aging. During the aging process, T cells, which protect the body from foreign substances like viruses and cancer cells, can lose their ability to signal effectively. Sheets and Heikal plan to use these fluorescence-lifetime imaging tools to examine the structure and integrity of T-cell membranes with a goal of determining why they lose their knack for signalling and how this problem can be corrected.

“We want to compare the effectiveness of signaling in young T cells, which clear out debris quickly, to old T cells, which are not as efficient,” said Sheets. “I think it will be a pretty cool application of our technique.”

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Other Penn State scientists who contributed to this research include Angel Davey and Keith Krise, both Ph.D. students in the Department of Chemistry. The work was funded by Penn State, the National Science Foundation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the American Chemical Society, and the National Institutes of Health.

Source: Barbara K. Kennedy
Penn State

By setting an alimentary desensitization protocol against milk and egg proteins, the medical team of the Pediatric Clinic of the University of Trieste, located at the Institute of Child Health Burlo Garofolo, has demonstrated the possibility to reeducate the organism of “superallergic” children to accept incriminated foods without suffering from severe, and occasionally lethal reactions such as anaphylaxis or edema of the glottidis. The study directed by professor Alessandro Ventura, Director of the Clinic lasted three years, at the end of which 36% of the children involved, once severely allergic with important, generalized reactions to even minimal contact with the dangerous food, and therefore life threatened, has re-achieved the ability to follow a normal diet without presenting any adverse reactions. On the other hand, 54% of the patients involved in the study were able to tolerate minimal quantities of the incriminated food in their diet.

With this experimental work, recently published by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the researchers confirmed the validity of a face-to-face direct approach to severe food allergies that the Burlo Garofolo has been persecuting since long, in countertrend to the majority of the allegologists that limit the treatment of severe food allergies to strict elimination of the harmful food from the diet. In Europe, allergies to specific foods such as milk or egg proteins are on the up. In Italy, at least 400,000 children aged 5 - 15 suffer from this disorder, and 3000 are at risk of severe reactions for minimal contact with the allergen.

The protocol Sixty Italian children, classified as “superallergic” to milk or eggs according to the severity of the symptoms, were selected and involved in the study. “The desensitization schedule is articulated in two parts explains Giorgio Longo, Director of the Allergology Department of the Burlo Garofolo the first one, where there is a major risk of severe reactions, lasts 10 days and takes place in the Hospital. During the hospitalization, milk is administered at rapidly increasing doses, at two hours intervals, until at discharge the child is able to intake 10 to 20 ml of pure milk”. The second part takes place at home, with the cooperation of the parents that, according to a scheme provided by the doctors continue the administration of milk, once a day, at a much slower and gradual rate of increase. In doing so the child is able to tolerate ever increasing doses of milk, until he or she is able to follow a completely normal diet. The positive result (recovery) is usually obtained within a year.

The results One third of the treated patients now eats freely, whatever he or she feels like. Half of them have not reached a normal diet yet, but are able to introduce significant quantities of milk without showing any adverse reaction. 10% of the treated patients did not respond positively to the treatment, and despite all the attempts, keep on to presenting important adverse reactions.

Are there any risks with this strategy? “We did not have any lethal cases. However, desensitization can be accompanied by some complications confirms Egidio Barbi from the Pediatric Clinic, available 24 hours a day for emergencies that might occur during the home phase of the protocol. “However, given the potential benefits, it’s a risk worth to be taken. The protective strategy, i.e. the elimination of the incriminated food, is dangerous as well: statistically, even children who intentionally avoid the dangerous food occasionally come across the allergen during the 5 years following the onset of the diet. Usually, these patients develop very severe reactions.”

INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH BURLO GAROFOLO - TRIESTE ITALY
via Dell’Istria 65/1
http://www.burlo.trieste.it

UCB and sanofi-aventis announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a New Drug Application (NDA) for XYZAL® (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) 0.5 mg/mL oral solution, a prescription antihistamine indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with indoor and outdoor allergies, as well as the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. XYZAL® tablets received FDA approval on May 25, 2007 and both formulations are now approved for use in adults and children 6 years and older.

“The oral solution of XYZAL® provides a welcome alternative for those patients who have difficulty swallowing or who prefer liquid medication,” said Michael S. Blaiss, MD, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. “Both the oral solution and tablets offer patients powerful and long-lasting allergy relief.”

Studies in allergic rhinitis patients demonstrated levocetirizine significantly reduced the symptoms of sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Studies in chronic idiopathic urticaria patients showed levocetirizine significantly reduced the severity of itching and the number and size of wheals.

In September 2007, UCB and sanofi-aventis entered into an agreement to launch and co-market XYZAL® in the U.S. UCB and sanofi-aventis have a long history in the allergy treatment arena and are committed to advancing treatment for allergy sufferers and helping meet unmet medical needs for patients with chronic allergy symptoms.

About Allergic Conditions

Many people suffer from the symptoms associated with common allergic conditions. The immune system of allergy sufferers over-reacts to something in the environment, leading to symptoms that affect their respiratory system, eyes, or skin. Estimates from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) suggest that indoor and outdoor allergies affect as many as 40 million people in the United States.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), commonly referred to as “hay fever” or “outdoor allergies,” is the most common form of allergic rhinitis. By definition, SAR includes allergies to seasonal pollens like grass, trees, and weeds, as well as mold. Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR) is sometimes referred to as “year round” or “indoor allergies” and is characterized by allergic symptoms that last longer than four weeks. House dust mites, animal dander, and mold most commonly trigger PAR. Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) is most commonly known as “chronic hives of unknown origin” and is defined as the occurrence of daily, or almost daily, wheals and itching for at least six weeks with no obvious causes.

About XYZAL®
Indications and Important Safety Information

XYZAL® is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial) and the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

The use of XYZAL® is contraindicated in: patients with a known hypersensitivity to levocetirizine or any of the ingredients of XYZAL or to cetirizine (observed reactions range from urticaria to anaphylaxis); patients with end-stage renal impairment at less than 10 mL/min creatinine clearance or patients undergoing hemodialysis; and pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years with impaired renal function.

Patients should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle, after ingestion of XYZAL®. Concurrent use of XYZAL® with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of CNS performance may occur.

In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions in >=2% of adult and adolescent patients (12 years of age and older) taking XYZAL 2.5 mg, XYZAL® 5 mg, or placebo were somnolence (5%, 6%, 2%), nasopharyngitis (6%, 4%, 3%), fatigue (1%, 4%, 2%), dry mouth (3%, 2%, 1%), and pharyngitis (2%, 1%, 1%), respectively.

In clinical trials 4 to 6 weeks in duration, the most common adverse reactions in > 2% of pediatric patients (6-12 years of age) taking XYZAL® 5 mg included pyrexia (4% vs 2% placebo), cough (3% vs
Full prescribing information for XYZAL® is available at http://www.XYZAL.com.

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium is a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry dedicated to the research, development and commercialisation of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the fields of central nervous system disorders, allergy/respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders and oncology. UCB focuses on securing a leading position in severe disease categories. Employing around 12,000 people in over 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 3.5 billion euro in 2007 on a pro forma basis. UCB S.A. is listed on Euronext Brussels. SCHWARZ PHARMA AG (Monheim, Germany) is a member of the UCB Group.

About sanofi-aventis

Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone.

Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

UCB Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements with respect to the development and commercialization of levocetirizine. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: the results of research, development and clinical trials; the timing and success of submission, acceptance, and approval of regulatory filings; the time and resources UCB devotes to the development and commercialization of levocetirizine and the scope of UCB’s patents and the patents of others.

Sanofi-aventis Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include product development, product potential projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis’ management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, future clinical data and analysis, including post marketing, decisions by regulatory authorities, such as the FDA or the EMEA, regarding whether and when to approve any drug, device or biological application that may be filed for any such product candidates as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such products candidates, the absence of guarantee that the products candidates if approved will be commercially successful, the future approval and commercial success of therapeutic alternatives as well as those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in sanofi-aventis’ annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

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A team of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funded scientists has moved a step closer to developing a new class of effective asthma and allergy drugs. With new research published today (15 February) in The Journal of Immunology, the team from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry has found an important target that holds significant promise for millions of people suffering from allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and a range of other inflammatory diseases. This work confirms that a key component of the body’s own response to allergy-causing agents (allergens) can be targeted to reduce allergic reactions in mice.

At present, the majority of treatments for asthma and allergies focus on reducing symptoms such as an inflamed airway or runny nose and itchy eyes. Because allergies are essentially an over-the-top immune response to allergens (such as dust, peanuts, or insect bites), it is possible to give a treatment that dampens down the immune system. However this is very risky, leaving the person vulnerable to infection, and so is only used in the most extreme cases - for most people treatments that manage the symptoms of allergy are the best option. The BBSRC team led by Professor Bart Vanhaesebroeck has shown that by targeting a molecule called p110delta it is possible to interfere in the allergic reaction before symptoms occur, but without shutting down the immune system.

p110delta is a member of a family of eight proteins called PI3Ks, which control important biological functions. Their activity is implicated in many different diseases including cancer and they are an important target for drugs. However, drugs that act on all PI3K family members tend to be toxic in the body. For this reason Professor Vanhaesebroeck’s team uses genetic techniques to find out which PI3K family members are linked to specific diseases. By gaining a better understanding of each PI3K they hope to target drugs more specifically and reduce the potential for side effects.

The p110gamma member of the PI3K family had previously been implicated in allergic reactions and was thought to be more important than p110delta. However, in the current study, Prof Vanhaesebroeck’s team has confirmed that p110delta, but not p110gamma, is important for allergic reactions in a mouse model. These results will help to inform and drive decisions in industry to prioritise which PI3K family members should be targeted for further investment and development. The next step to develop p110delta blockers is now ongoing in industry, and is expected to proceed into the preclinical arena in humans in the near future.

Lead author of the study, Dr Khaled Ali said: “p110delta was first identified in 1997 and, and although we had our suspicions, at that time we had no idea how important it would turn out to be. This work shows that we have the potential to take control of the body’s reaction to an allergen and prevent symptoms from occurring.”

Professor Vanhaesebroeck added: “This work confirms our previous findings and shows once and for all that in an allergic reaction it is p110delta that is the key player among the PI3K molecules. We are very hopeful that a drug for human patients can be developed in the very near future. This approach offers the potential for therapies for asthma and allergies that target the real causes, not just symptoms.”

Professor Nigel Brown, BBSRC Director of Science and Technology, said: “Allergies alone cause misery for millions every year and is of significant cost the UK due to lost productivity. This research, basic bioscience funded by BBSRC, together with industry collaboration could mean an entirely new way of dealing with asthma and allergies.”

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1. The research is published on 15 February in The Journal of Immunology. ‘Isoform Specific Functions of Phosphoinositide 3-kinases: p110delta but not p110gamma promotes optimal allergic responses in vivo’, Khaled Ali et al, pp. 2538-2544, Issue 4, Volume 180

2. The early work underpinning this study of p110delta was carried out at University College London by Professor Vanhaesebroeck and his team.

3. Facts about allergy and asthma
* Allergy has increased in the UK population in the last 30 years.
* Roughly one in three people in the UK experience some kind of allergy and some time in their lives.
* Three million people are seen by primary care services each year with conditions that may be as a result of allergy.
* Asthma affects five million people in England alone and tens of thousands of people are admitted to hospital each year because of the condition.
* Numbers of people with anaphylaxis are increasing.
(Information from UK Department of Health)

About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around ￡380 million in a wide range of research that makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders including the agriculture, food, chemical, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/

Source: Nancy Mendoza
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

With the official start of spring about six weeks away, for many Americans the start of allergy season is close at hand.

But that doesn’t mean the sneezing and discomfort that comes with seasonal allergies has to be close at hand as well. With a bit of planning, effort and common sense, many people can limit their suffering during allergy season or perhaps even avoid it altogether, says Mark Dykewicz, M.D., professor of internal medicine and chief of allergy and clinical immunology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

“There are a number of simple steps you can take to help relieve symptoms and minimize your suffering when allergy season kicks into high gear,” Dykewicz says. “That’s good news for many of the millions of Americans who traditionally suffer every year from seasonal allergies.”

For the most part, seasonal allergies are caused by airborne pollens very fine powder released by trees, grasses and weeds as they pollinate and fertilize other plants of the same kind. Molds in outdoor air can also contribute to seasonal allergies.

Although there are warmer regions of the country where outdoor allergens can be present year-round, allergy season generally begins in late winter or early spring and runs through late summer or early fall, depending on a region’s particular climate. As the season progresses, different types of pollens are present to trigger allergic reactions, Dykewicz says.

Trees are generally the first to pollinate, in late winter and spring, although some varieties can pollinate later in the season, depending on the region. Trees tend to be followed by the pollination of various grasses in late spring and summer. Weeds can pollinate at different times of the growing season, though the notorious ragweed prevalent in many areas east of the Rockies pollinates in late summer and early fall.

Outdoor molds generally reach their highest levels in late summer or fall, though some regions such as Florida can have significant outdoor mold counts throughout the year.

Dykewicz says there are five important things you can do to prevent or relieve symptoms during allergy season when pollen or mold counts are peaking:

1. Use over-the-counter antihistamines for relief. For some people, these drugs are very effective at reducing the classic symptoms of seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and, occasionally, scratchy throat. Some of the older-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can cause sleepiness and the impairment of thinking and driving, which people often don’t sense. As a result, Dykewicz prefers to recommend more recent formulations that, in most people, cause no drowsiness (Claritin, for example) or less drowsiness (Zyrtec). These perform very well for many people, Dykewicz says.

2. Keep your home’s doors and windows closed. You can’t completely seal off your home from the outside, but keeping doors and windows closed can help prevent pollens and outdoor molds from entering. When the weather turns nice in the spring and you’re tempted to open windows to let in “fresh” air, it may be better to keep them closed and turn on your air conditioner.

3. Limit outdoor activity, particularly in the morning. Avoid being outdoors especially to exercise when pollen counts are high, or on windy days when pollen and molds are being blown about. In general, pollen counts are highest in the morning, usually from about 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

4. When traveling by car, keep the windows up. Closing your car windows helps keep out pollens, dust and mold.

5. Take a shower and change clothes. Pollen can collect on clothes and in your hair, Dykewicz says. So when you’ve been outside for any significant amount of time, shower and change into fresh clothes as soon as you get home.

And how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor for allergies? When you’ve followed those five steps and you’re still suffering, Dykewicz says.

“When you’ve done all you can on your own and you can’t find relief, then it’s time to see your doctor,” Dykewicz says.

According to Dykewicz, there are a variety of prescription medications that can help reduce or block seasonal allergy symptoms. These include other oral antihistamines; the drug Singulair; and several classes of nasal sprays. Nasal sprays tend to be the most effective at relieving symptoms by helping reduce inflammation and counteracting the allergic response.

And for harder-to-treat cases, Dykewicz says many patients benefit from allergy immunotherapy a long-term series of shots to desensitize a patient from specific allergens.

“The good news is there’s a lot you and your doctor can do to help relieve or prevent suffering caused by allergies,” Dykewicz says.

Established in 1836, Saint Louis University School of Medicine has the distinction of awarding the first medical degree west of the Mississippi River. The school educates physicians and biomedical scientists, conducts medical research, and provides health care on a local, national and international level. Research at the school seeks new cures and treatments in five key areas: cancer, liver disease, heart/lung disease, aging and brain disease, and infectious disease.

Saint Louis University Medical Center
St. Louis, MO 63103
United States
http://medschool.slu.edu/index.phtml

Greer, a leading developer and provider of allergy immunotherapy products and services, provided a grant to BioMedEcon to conduct a retrospective study analyzing the use of allergy immunotherapy via subcutaneous injections in children with allergic rhinitis. The study analyzed Medicaid records of 520 low-income Florida children with documented allergies. According to the study, published in the January issue of The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI), the use of allergy immunotherapy delivers important clinical benefits to children and significantly reduces health care costs, even when the appropriate course of treatment is not completed.

The BioMedEcon study examined nine years of data (1997-2007) of children in the Florida Medicaid program to compare health costs for the six-month period before the initiation of immunotherapy to the six-month period following treatment discontinuation. Study authors found that allergy immunotherapy was associated with significant savings across all aspects of the health care system - inpatient, outpatient and medication treatments - even among children who completed only a fraction of the recommended three-year treatment regimen. The average six-month savings was found to be $401 per patient in reduced costs for pharmacy claims, outpatient visits, hospital admissions and other associated costs.

“This is one of the first studies to put a dollar figure to the health care savings associated with allergy immunotherapy,” says Robert Esch, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development for Greer Laboratories. “Allergic rhinitis accounts for more than $2 billion dollars in U.S. health care costs. If we can expand the use of immunotherapy, not only will we improve the lives of people with allergies, but we can also expect to see a substantial decrease in the costs associated with treating allergic rhinitis.”

According to the BioMedEcon study, 39 percent of children received less than six months of immunotherapy with only 16 percent completing at least three years of treatment. Of the patient sample analyzed, the average duration of treatment was 17 months, which is far less than the generally recommended three to five year treatment course.

“Although the reasons for poor persistence were not specifically addressed in the study, it is widely believed that allergy immunotherapy presents many barriers that affect compliance,” says Cheryl S. Hankin, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of BioMedEcon, LLC. “Traditional allergy injections require a commitment from patients, and in this case, their parents or guardians. One solution to improving compliance may be exploring additional methods for delivering immunotherapy that make it easier for patients of all ages to adhere to the therapy.”

In the United States, allergy immunotherapy requires that patients receive clinician-administered subcutaneous injections. In contrast, allergy immunotherapy in Europe is prescribed by a physician and generally self-administered orally at home. Investigators hypothesized that innovations such as sublingual-oral immunotherapy may lead to improved acceptance of the treatment.

About BioMedEcon

Based in Moss Beach, Calif., privately-held BioMedEcon, LLC is a leading-edge provider of health economics and outcomes research. BioMedEcon applies rigorous scientific methods to create coherent, objective and practical formulary decision models, pharmaceutical and drug delivery market entry strategies, and health care policy recommendations. Clients and partners include established and emerging leaders in the pharmaceutical, biotech, drug delivery and medical device industries.

BioMedEcon

About Greer

Greer is a leading developer and provider of allergy immunotherapy products and services for treating humans and animals. Greer’s highly skilled scientists provide technical support for customers by continuing to focus on improving the lives of allergic patients. Greer’s clinical development programs are focused on expanding the use of immunotherapy through oral administration of allergy immunotherapy. Greer’s goal is to establish the efficacy of standardized products for oral administration through clinical trials. The company was founded in 1904 and is located in Lenoir, N.C.

Greer

For the more than 40 million people throughout the country who suffer from indoor allergies, spring cleaning can be an important step to take in order to reduce allergy symptoms, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Spring cleaning takes some time and effort, but it will produce an indoor environment that is less allergenic, easier to clean and healthier for the whole family.

Symptoms of indoor allergies

Indoor allergy sufferers will often wheeze, sneeze, cough and hack their way through the winter months, thinking they have a chronic cold. In actuality, they are probably reacting to indoor allergens. Some symptoms between a cold and allergies are similar, such as sneezing and a stuffy or runny nose. But, if your symptoms are also accompanied with a fever, sore throat, colored nasal discharge, and aches and pains, then you probably have a cold. With allergies, there is never a fever, the nasal discharge is clear, and eyes may become red and itchy. Furthermore, while a cold usually lasts about a week, allergies can last all year.

Prevention of common indoor allergens

The key is to focus on sites where allergens accumulate. The term “allergen” refers to any substance that can trigger an allergic response. First, you must know which allergens or irritants in your home provoke your symptoms. Common allergens and some ways to prevent them include:

1. Dust mites: These thrive in house dust, which is composed of plant and animal material. Their droppings are the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms.
   • Change and clean cooling and heating system filters once a month.
   • Have your home, car and office vacuumed and dusted frequently.
   • Wash blankets and bedspreads weekly and sheets and pillowcases more often. Be sure that the water is above 130 degrees.
   • Try to regularly wash your curtains and throw rugs.
2. Molds: These are microscopic fungi. Their spores float in the air like pollen and are present throughout the year in many states. Molds can be found indoors in attics, basements, bathrooms, refrigerators and other food storage areas, garbage containers, carpets and upholstery.
   • Keep bathroom and kitchen surfaces dry, fix leaky plumbing and seal cracks where water can seep in to avoid mold buildup.
   • Never put carpeting on concrete or damp floors, and avoid storing clothes, papers or other items in damp areas.
   • Reduce humidity in damp areas by using a dehumidifier. Clean dehumidifiers once a week.
   • All rooms, especially basements, bathrooms and kitchens, require ventilation and consistent cleaning to deter mold and mildew growth. Use a cleaning solution containing 5% bleach and a small amount of detergent.
3. Pets: People are not allergic to their pets’ hair, but to a protein found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal with fur. These proteins are carried in the air on small, invisible particles and can trigger allergy symptoms.
   • If you have a cat or dog, it might help reduce household allergens by washing your pet once a week.
   • Do not sleep with your pet. Sleeping with your pet, long or short-haired, greatly increases the amount of contact with unwanted allergens.
   • Vacuum and mop your floors regularly to remove excess animal dander.
4. Cockroaches: These live in warm, tropical climates, but various species dwell in the offices and homes of humans living in various climates. A protein found in their droppings can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
   • Frequently remove all household food wastes, including garbage and recyclables. Food should be stored in sealed containers.
   • Wash dishes immediately after use in hot, soapy water, and clean under stoves, refrigerators or toasters where loose crumbs can accumulate. Wipe off the stove top and clean other kitchen surfaces and cupboards regularly.
   • Consider a professional exterminator to eliminate cockroaches.
   • Thoroughly and frequently clean to remove dust and cockroach byproducts.

When should you see an allergist/immunologist?

By conducting a thorough history of your health and performing allergy tests, if needed, an allergist/immunologist can help you determine which indoor allergens provoke your symptoms. Environmental control measures differ for dust mites, animal allergens, cockroaches and molds, but your allergist/immunologist can help you determine ways to reduce your exposure to these allergens. To relieve your symptoms, your allergist/immunologist may also prescribe appropriate medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants or asthma medications and allergy vaccine therapy (immunotherapy). Visit http://www.aaaai.org for more information on indoor allergens.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology