Investigative Drug Shows Promise for Patients With Cat Allergies

In a recent interview, Jennifer Maloney, MD, of Regeneron, said an investigative new drug may help patients manage their cat allergies.

New findings from the research were presented Sunday at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 2021 virtual annual meeting.

Cat allergens are especially pervasive, Maloney said, with many cat-owning households across the United States. Based on the amount of people who receive cat immunotherapy in the United States, many people experience daily disruptions due to this allergen and are at the point where they want treatment.

Maloney said there are currently several therapeutic options, including antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids. These treatments have modest effects, although they treat the symptoms rather than the root cause. The investigative therapy has targeted antibodies to the major allergen in cats, a sensitivity that has been found in more than 90% of people who are allergic to cats.

Because the therapy is in early stages of investigation, Maloney said it is difficult to predict when it might be widely available. However, she said they are encouraged by the findings thus far and are eager to continue working.