Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Convenes International Food Allergy Alliance Meeting to Address the Burgeoning Problem of Worldwide Food Allergies
McLean, VA (PRWEB) September 25, 2015 -- Leaders from around the world will come together Sept. 27-29 for a crucial meeting of the International Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance, hosted by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). This pivotal meeting will set international policy on food allergy research, education and treatment at a time when the incidence of food allergies are exploding. Worldwide, at least 220 million people have food allergy, a life-threatening problem, and the numbers of these patients appear to be rapidly growing.
The Alliance meeting will focus on advancing food allergy awareness and encourage the commercial sector to fight the problem. Members of the Alliance have engaged patient advocates, physician experts, major food manufacturers and for the first time pharmaceutical scientists to act on critical problems for individuals with food allergies. These issues include the need for more food allergy research, improved food labeling, and accommodations when traveling and eating in restaurants, or in college and university life. Importantly, individuals with food allergies also need better access to life-saving drugs like epinephrine.
“The world is suffering a crisis in food allergy that threatens the lives of people across the globe. Patients lack access to effective treatments or even safe foods, and these problems are worsening under the burden of rapidly increasing patient numbers. FARE is imploring this global gathering to share their successes and challenges so that we can implement strategies to advance the interests of the hundreds of millions of food allergic individuals,” said James R. Baker, Jr., MD, CEO of FARE. “We must tackle key deficiencies in food allergy research, education, and advocacy to work toward meaningful policy changes and research advances on a global scale.”
Formed in 1999, the International Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance, comprised of 20 international partners, is the only international organization that advances key issues of importance for those affected by food allergies.
The Alliance meeting, which will be held in Dulles, Va., is the only meeting of its kind and will be attended by leaders from patient advocacy organizations in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States. The founding members of the Alliance are FARE, Food Allergy Canada, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, Food Allergy New Zealand and Anaphylaxis Campaign (UK).
The International Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Alliance Meeting is made possible in part by support from Mylan Specialty L.P., Presenting Sponsor, and the American Peanut Council.
For more information about food allergies, visit http://www.foodallergy.org.
ABOUT FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. FARE’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments. Our work is organized around three core tenets: LIFE – support the ability of individuals with food allergies to live safe, productive lives with the respect of others through our education and advocacy initiatives; HEALTH – enhance the healthcare access of individuals with food allergies to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment; and HOPE – encourage and fund research in both industry and academia that promises new therapies to improve the allergic condition. For more information, please visit http://www.foodallergy.org.
Nancy Gregory, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), http://www.foodallergy.org, +1 703-563-3066, [email protected]
Share this article