Latest news with #AAAAI
Medscape
6 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Top 3 Chronic Urticaria Treatments Highlighted in Meta-Analysis
In managing antihistamine-refractory chronic urticaria, omalizumab and remibrutinib stand out among the most effective treatments across multiple patient-important outcomes, followed by dupilumab, which shows improvement in urticaria activity, according to a meta-analysis of 42 systemic treatments in 93 studies. All three treatments for chronic urticaria, a condition defined by wheal and itch symptoms persisting 6 weeks or more, have favorable safety profiles, according to the researchers, led by Alexandro W. L. Chu, MD, with the Department of Medicine and the Evidence in Allergy Group at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology as part of an update of chronic urticaria guidelines for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), and Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters (JTFPP). The meta-analysis examined patient-important outcomes beyond itch and wheal assessment such as angioedema, sleep quality, urticaria- and angioedema-related quality of life, and adverse events at the longest available time point. The researchers used measures including the 7-day Urticaria Activity Score, Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire and Angioedema Quality of Life Questionnaire. Dupilumab improves itch and wheals, 'but it is uncertain whether it improves angioedema or quality of life,' the researchers wrote. Cyclosporine, while it may be among the most effective, the analysis noted, may also be among the most harmful treatments with a high frequency of adverse events. In the intermediate range of effectiveness is low-dose omalizumab (doses below the standard 300 mg or administration less frequent than every 4 weeks) and that low dose also has a favorable safety profile, the data showed. 'Azathioprine, dapsone, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate, sulfasalazine, and vitamin D may improve outcomes, while benralizumab, quilizumab, and tezepelumab may not differ from placebo, though the evidence is uncertain,' the report stated. 'Findings were consistent across age groups and baseline severity and were robust to subgroup analyses.' Patients' comorbidities may also steer treatment selection, the authors wrote. 'For instance, patients with concomitant food allergies may favor omalizumab, while those with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis or atopic dermatitis may favor dupilumab.' Remibrutinib Rachel Meltzer, MD, MPH, director of the Pruritus Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital and instructor in dermatology at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, told Medscape Medical News the most important aspect of the meta-analysis is the side-by-side comparison of the treatments, particularly the comparison with the bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor remibrutinib, which, she noted, is not yet approved by the FDA for any indication in dermatology. 'The only people who have any clinical experience with it are the people running the trials at the moment,' she said, and information from them indicates that 'remibrutinib does sound promising. The exciting thing is that it's an oral medicine and it seems to have a good safety and efficacy profile, whereas now, if someone fails our standard oral regimen, the move frequently has been to go to Zolair/omalizumab or less frequently in dermatology, cyclosporine.' 'Omalizumab has been approved for quite some time and that's been kind of the go-to if you need to escalate therapy if people fail the first-line high-dose antihistamines,' she said. Dupilumab, she said, 'wouldn't be the first thing I'd try unless someone had a comorbidity of atopic dermatitis or asthma or allergic rhinitis with nasal polyps,' she said. It was approved in April for chronic spontaneous urticaria. This is the first review of chronic urticaria treatments that has 'systematically analyzed the overall relative benefits and harms of all available options or appraised the evidence using robust and standardized approaches,' the authors wrote. This study was commissioned by the AAAAI and the ACAAI through the JTFPP. Several authors reported multiple ties to pharmaceutical companies, which are available with the full text. Meltzer reported no relevant financial relationships.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to clean mold from your air conditioner safely
It's easy to view an air conditioner as a set-it-and-forget-it appliance, but these workhorse machines require regular cleanings to lower the risk of mold buildup. But if you're like most people, you probably don't know how to clean mold from your air conditioner (or how to identify if it needs cleaning in the first place). With that in mind, here's how to check and clean your unit and how to prevent AC mold in your home in the first place. There are a few reasons why mold can grow in air conditioners. For starters, "mold is present almost everywhere," Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Life. But air conditioners in particular create a mold-friendly environment that allows spores to thrive. "Mold is a common issue in AC units because the cooling process naturally creates moisture," Flores says. "When warm air passes over the evaporator coils, condensation forms." If the moisture doesn't drain properly from your AC, or if the system stays humid due to poor ventilation or infrequent use, it creates an ideal environment for mold to grow, Flores says. There are a few things that can happen with a moldy air conditioner. "Mold will reduce efficiency and can also circulate spores throughout the home, which can cause health issues like allergies or respiratory irritation," Flores says. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), mold and mold spores are incredibly common — you're going to breathe some of them in from the air around you. That said, some people are allergic to mold — their immune systems are overly sensitive to specific types of spores, which can lead to more significant reactions from exposure. Common reactions include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. While there are hundreds of types of molds, the AAAAI notes that the most common ones that cause allergic reactions are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. As to what may happen if mold starts growing inside your AC, Alan says that really depends on the type of mold, as well as how your immune system typically responds to such spores. For instance, people who are immunocompromised or who have underlying respiratory issues are more prone to experience symptoms or health complications from mold exposure. Additionally, aerosolization of mold is a bigger potential issue than mold growing on a random surface, especially for people who are prone to mold issues, Alan says. If you're chronically exposed to mold by something like your AC blowing spores around, you could develop chronic allergy symptoms or other health concerns. "Patients could have lung infections, which could look like a fever, cough and trouble breathing," Alan says. Something else to consider: Certain types of molds, like black mold, can release toxins into the air that can make you sick, even if you don't have a mold allergy. "With things like black mold, there are more symptoms that patients may experience like fatigue, mood changes and brain fog," says Alan. There is also a specific immune reaction to mold spores called hypersensitivity pneumonitis where your lungs become inflamed due to mold exposure. "It leads to a flu-like illness with fever and fatigue, in addition to respiratory symptoms," says Dr. Robert Laumbach, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health. "Over time, this could lead to permanent lung damage, so we want to try to catch [it] early." A key sign that mold in your home may be making you sick is if you find that you're having asthma- or allergy-like symptoms in your home that seem to get better after you leave for the day. "Symptoms usually occur with exposure and then may resolve within hours," says Laumbach. (However, he says that it can take longer for symptoms to clear up for some people, so this isn't always a given.) Still, all of this doesn't mean you should panic if you happen to find mold in your AC — especially if you otherwise feel fine. "Not every type of mold causes health issues for humans," Alan points out. There are a few warning signs to look out for. "One of the most noticeable signs is a musty or earthy smell when the system kicks on," Flores says. "It is usually the strongest near vents." You may even spot mold on the vents or around the evaporator coils and drip pan, Flores says. "Unexplained moisture buildup around the unit or damp, stale air could also be red flags," he adds. But you may simply be tipped off to the presence of mold in your AC by how you feel when the AC starts running — pay attention for any telltale allergy symptoms mentioned earlier, like sneezing, a runny nose or coughing. While it's never a bad idea to call in the experts if cleaning your AC seems like an ordeal, in most cases, it's possible to tackle basic cleaning yourself. Flores offers these simple steps. Flores recommends protecting yourself first. That means wearing gloves, a face mask and goggles. "Disturbing mold can release spores," he says. Failing to protect yourself can increase the likelihood of experiencing allergy symptoms or irritation. While basic cleaning is fairly straightforward, it's important to familiarize yourself with your unit and to determine whether the company has specific suggestions for ongoing maintenance. You don't want to be poking around with the electricity still running. Removing these components allows you to clean in and around them more effectively, identifying any areas where mold may be growing. "Small amounts of mold in accessible areas like vent covers or drip pans can sometimes be cleaned with a mixture of water and a mild detergent or a diluted bleach solution," Flores says. But as you remove these parts, "be careful not to damage components," he warns. (This is where consulting the owner's manual may come in handy!) Giving your AC a chance to fully dry before turning it back on will reduce the chances for mold growth to return. If you suspect that mold is in deeper areas of your air conditioner, like the coils or blower motor, Flores says it's best to use professional-grade equipment and antimicrobials. "That's where trained HVAC pros come in, as we can safely clean and sanitize all affected areas without spreading the mold further," he says. Getting rid of mold from your AC unit is helpful, but it can come back again if you're not careful. As always, it's best to read the instruction manual for your unit and follow regular maintenance, as recommended. "Proper routine maintenance can address most of these issues before they become a problem for the home," says Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at HVAC company Trane Technologies. Beyond that, Goddard says it can be helpful to keep tabs on your indoor humidity. "Indoor humidity should be kept between 30% to 50% for comfort and to prevent mold," he says. "Mold tends to grow when indoor humidity is higher than this range." If humidity is a big issue in your home, Goddard suggests investing in a dehumidifier to try to help lower those levels. You may even want to consider using UV light, Goddard says. "UVC light installed over your coil and drain pan can prevent microbial growth and mold," he says. Laumbach suggests wiping down the inside and outside of your air conditioner regularly to remove dust, and to regularly clean and change your filter. "Dust can be enough food for mold to grow," he says. "You want to keep those coils and the filter clean." You may even want to consider using an additional air purifier with a HEPA filter, or seeing if your AC unit can use a HEPA filter to tamp down on mold spores circulating in your air, says Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions. (Check out our favorite air purifiers.) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also recommends keeping your air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. Mold can be an issue in any air conditioner. Mold exposure can raise the risk of a range of health issues, from allergy symptoms to full-blown infections, making it important to stay on top of the spores in your home. Doing routine air conditioner maintenance and cleanings will help to lower the risk of mold issues happening in the first place. Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating in Harlingen, Texas Jamie Alan, RPH, PharmD, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University Robert Laumbach, MD, MPH, CIH, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at Trane Technologies Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Midea air conditioner recall sparks concern: How to clean mold from your AC safely
Midea is recalling about 1.7 million of the company's U and U+ Window Air Conditioners sold in the U.S. and Canada due to mold exposure concerns, according to a notice shared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected units were distributed under the popular brand names Midea, Comfort Aire, Danby, Frigidaire, Insignia, Keystone, LBG Products, Mr. Cool, Perfect Aire and Sea Breeze. Water in the recalled air conditioners may pool inside the units and have difficulty draining quickly enough, increasing the risk of mold growth. The company's issued notice states that mold exposure can raise the risk of developing respiratory issues or infections for some users. While this particular recall is focused on select Midea products, mold in air conditioners is a common issue all AC owners should be aware of, Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating, a family-operated HVAC company in Harlingen, Texas, tells Yahoo Life. It's easy to view an air conditioner as a set-it-and-forget-it appliance, but these workhorse machines require regular cleanings to lower the risk of mold buildup. But if you're like most people, you probably don't know how to clean mold from your air conditioner (or how to identify if it needs cleaning in the first place). With that in mind, here's how to check and clean your unit and how to prevent AC mold in your home in the first place. There are a few reasons why mold can grow in air conditioners. For starters, "mold is present almost everywhere," Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Life. But air conditioners in particular create a mold-friendly environment that allow spores to thrive. "Mold is a common issue in AC units because the cooling process naturally creates moisture," Flores says. "When warm air passes over the evaporator coils, condensation forms." If the moisture doesn't drain properly from your AC — which is what happened with the Midea recall — or if the system stays humid due to poor ventilation or infrequent use, it creates an ideal environment for mold to grow, Flores says. There are a few things that can happen with a moldy air conditioner. "Mold will reduce efficiency and can also circulate spores throughout the home, which can cause health issues like allergies or respiratory irritation," Flores says. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), mold and mold spores are incredibly common — you're going to breathe some of them in from the air around you. That said, some people are allergic to mold — their immune systems are overly sensitive to specific types of spores, which can lead to more significant reactions from exposure. Common reactions include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. While there are hundreds of types of molds, the AAAAI notes that the most common ones that cause allergic reactions are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. As to what may happen if mold starts growing inside your AC, Alan says that really depends on the type of mold, as well as how your immune system typically responds to such spores. For instance, people who are immunocompromised or who have underlying respiratory issues are more prone to experience symptoms or health complications from mold exposure. Additionally, aerosolization of mold is a bigger potential issue than mold growing on a random surface, especially for people who are prone to mold issues, Alan says. If you're chronically exposed to mold by something like your AC blowing spores around, you could develop chronic allergy symptoms or other health concerns. "Patients could have lung infections, which could look like a fever, cough and trouble breathing," Alan says. Something else to consider: Certain types of molds, like black mold, can release toxins into the air that can make you sick, even if you don't have a mold allergy. "With things like black mold, there are more symptoms that patients may experience like fatigue, mood changes and brain fog," says Alan. There is also a specific immune reaction to mold spores called hypersensitivity pneumonitis where your lungs become inflamed due to mold exposure. "It leads to a flu-like illness with fever and fatigue, in addition to respiratory symptoms," says Dr. Robert Laumbach, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health. "Over time, this could lead to permanent lung damage, so we want to try to catch [it] early." A key sign that mold in your home may be making you sick is if you find that you're having asthma- or allergy-like symptoms in your home that seem to get better after you leave for the day. "Symptoms usually occur with exposure and then may resolve within hours," says Laumbach. (However, he says that it can take longer for symptoms to clear up for some people, so this isn't always a given.) Still, all of this doesn't mean you should panic if you happen to find mold in your AC — especially if you otherwise feel fine. "Not every type of mold causes health issues for humans," Alan points out. There are a few warning signs to look out for. "One of the most noticeable signs is a musty or earthy smell when the system kicks on," Flores says. "It is usually the strongest near vents." You may even spot mold on the vents or around the evaporator coils and drip pan, Flores says. "Unexplained moisture buildup around the unit or damp, stale air could also be red flags," he adds. But you may simply be tipped off to the presence of mold in your AC by how you feel when the AC starts running — pay attention for any telltale allergy symptoms mentioned earlier, like sneezing, a runny nose or coughing. While it's never a bad idea to call in the experts if cleaning your AC seems like an ordeal, in most cases, it's possible to tackle basic cleaning yourself. Flores offers these simple steps. Flores recommends protecting yourself first. That means wearing gloves, a face mask and goggles. "Disturbing mold can release spores," he says. Failing to protect yourself can increase the likelihood of experiencing allergy symptoms or irritation. While basic cleaning is fairly straightforward, it's important to familiarize yourself with your unit and to determine whether the company has specific suggestions for ongoing maintenance. You don't want to be poking around with the electricity still running. Removing these components allows you to clean in and around them more effectively, identifying any areas where mold may be growing. "Small amounts of mold in accessible areas like vent covers or drip pans can sometimes be cleaned with a mixture of water and a mild detergent or a diluted bleach solution," Flores says. But as you remove these parts, "be careful not to damage components," he warns. (This is where consulting the owner's manual may come in handy!) Giving your AC a chance to fully dry before turning it back on will reduce the chances for mold growth to return. If you suspect that mold is in deeper areas of your air conditioner, like the coils or blower motor, Flores says it's best to use professional-grade equipment and antimicrobials. "That's where trained HVAC pros come in, as we can safely clean and sanitize all affected areas without spreading the mold further," he says. Getting rid of mold from your AC unit is helpful, but it can come back again if you're not careful. As always, it's best to read the instruction manual for your unit and follow regular maintenance, as recommended. "Proper routine maintenance can address most of these issues before they become a problem for the home," Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at HVAC company Trane Technologies, tells Yahoo Life. Beyond that, Goddard says it can be helpful to keep tabs on your indoor humidity. "Indoor humidity should be kept between 30% to 50% for comfort and to prevent mold," he says. "Mold tends to grow when indoor humidity is higher than this range." If humidity is a big issue in your home, Goddard suggests investing in a dehumidifier to try to help lower those levels. You may even want to consider using UV light, Goddard says. "UVC light installed over your coil and drain pan can prevent microbial growth and mold," he says. Laumbach suggests wiping down the inside and outside of your air conditioner regularly to remove dust, and to regularly clean and change your filter. "Dust can be enough food for mold to grow," he says. "You want to keep those coils and the filter clean." You may even want to consider using an additional air purifier with a HEPA filter, or seeing if your AC unit can use a HEPA filter to tamp down on mold spores circulating in your air, Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions, tells Yahoo Life. (Check out our favorite air purifiers here.) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also recommends keeping your air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly. Again, mold can be an issue in any air conditioner — not just the models recalled by Midea. Mold exposure can raise the risk of a range of health issues, from allergy symptoms to full-blown infections, making it important to stay on top of the spores in your home. Doing routine air conditioner maintenance and cleanings will help to lower the risk of mold issues happening in the first place. Omero Flores, CEO of American AC & Heating in Harlingen, Texas Jamie Alan, RPH, PharmD, PhD, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University Robert Laumbach, MD, MPH, CIH, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice at the Rutgers School of Public Health Sean Goddard, product manager of indoor air quality and coils at Trane Technologies Tony Abate, a certified mold inspector and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jasper Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: JSPR) (Jasper), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on development of briquilimab, a novel antibody therapy targeting KIT to address mast cell driven diseases such as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) and asthma, today reported results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provided a corporate update. 'During the first quarter of 2025 we made great progress advancing briquilimab toward important data readouts later this year from all three of our clinical programs in mast cell diseases,' said Ronald Martell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jasper. 'Updated data from the BEACON study in CSU presented at the AAAAI annual meeting continued to demonstrate the potential of briquilimab to deliver differentiated onset of action, depth of response, and tolerability. We look forward to our mid-year data update in the first half of Q3 2025, which will include additional CSU patients treated in the BEACON study and in the open-label extension study. These data will inform final dose selection for our planned Phase 2b study, expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025. We also remain on track to present additional data from the SPOTLIGHT study in CIndU in the second quarter as well as initial data from the ETESIAN study in asthma in the second half of 2025.' Highlights for First Quarter 2025 and Recent Weeks Continued to enroll patients in the BEACON Phase 1b/2a study of subcutaneous briquilimab in CSU. Jasper plans to report data from additional patients enrolled in the BEACON study, as well as from CSU patients enrolled in the open-label extension (OLE) study, in the first half of Q3 2025. Completed enrollment in the third and final cohort (180mg) of the SPOTLIGHT Phase 1b/2a study of subcutaneous briquilimab in cold urticaria (ColdU) or symptomatic dermographism (SD), the two most prevalent sub types of CIndU. Jasper plans to report data from additional patients enrolled in the study at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Annual Congress in June 2025. Presented updated data from the BEACON Phase 1b/2a study of subcutaneous briquilimab in adult participants with CSU at the annual meetings of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The update presented was based on a data-cut date of January 31, 2025, and includes approximately one month of additional dosing and follow-up from the 49 participants featured in Jasper's previous data disclosure in January 2025. Briquilimab continued to be well tolerated and demonstrate a favorable safety profile in the study, with no additional adverse events (AEs) potentially related to KIT blockade observed. Data collected in the study to-date support advancing briquilimab into a registrational program in CSU, beginning with a planned Phase 2b operationally-adaptive study expected to commence in the second half of 2025. Final dose selection for the Phase 2b study will be further informed by additional clinical data from patients administered doses of 180mg and higher, expected to be reported mid-year 2025. Open-label Extension Study – Study commenced in CSU that will roll over patients from the BEACON and SPOTLIGHT studies upon completion of their initial follow-up period. The ETESIAN Phase 1b/2a allergen challenge study evaluating a single administration of subcutaneous briquilimab in allergic asthma continues to enroll patients. Jasper expects to report initial data from ETESIAN in the second half of 2025. First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, totaled $48.8 million. Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $16.2 million. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $5.6 million. Jasper reported a net loss of $21.2 million, or basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders of $1.41, for the three months ended March 31, 2025. About Jasper Jasper is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing briquilimab as a therapeutic for chronic mast cell diseases. Briquilimab is a targeted aglycosylated monoclonal antibody that blocks stem cell factor from binding to the cell-surface receptor KIT, thereby inhibiting signaling through the receptor. This inhibition disrupts the critical survival signal, leading to the depletion of the mast cells via apoptosis which removes the underlying source of the inflammatory response in mast cell driven diseases such as chronic urticaria and asthma. Jasper is currently conducting clinical studies of briquilimab as a treatment in patients with CSU, CIndU or asthma. Briquilimab has a demonstrated efficacy and safety profile in patients and healthy volunteers, with positive clinical outcomes in CSU and CIndU. For more information, please visit us at Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are sometimes accompanied by words such as 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'should,' 'would,' 'plan,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'seem,' 'seek,' 'future,' 'outlook' and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding briquilimab's potential, including with respect to its potential in mast cell driven diseases such as CSU, CIndU, and asthma and its potential to deliver differentiated onset of action, depth of response and tolerability; Jasper's expected timing for presenting study results for additional CSU patients treated in the BEACON study and in the open-label extension study; its expected timing for presenting additional data from the SPOTLIGHT study and initial data from the ETESIAN study; and its expected timing for commencing its planned Phase 2b operationally adaptive study. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Jasper and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Jasper. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, political and business conditions; the risk that the potential product candidates that Jasper develops may not progress through clinical development or receive required regulatory approvals within expected timelines or at all; the risk that clinical trials may not confirm any safety, potency or other product characteristics described or assumed in this press release; the risk that prior test, study and trial results may not be replicated in continuing or future studies and trials; the risk that Jasper will be unable to successfully market or gain market acceptance of its product candidates; the risk that prior study results may not be replicated; the risk that Jasper's product candidates may not be beneficial to patients or successfully commercialized; patients' willingness to try new therapies and the willingness of physicians to prescribe these therapies; the effects of competition on Jasper's business; the risk that third parties on which Jasper depends for laboratory, clinical development, manufacturing and other critical services will fail to perform satisfactorily; the risk that Jasper's business, operations, clinical development plans and timelines, and supply chain could be adversely affected by the effects of health epidemics; the risk that Jasper will be unable to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for its investigational products or will infringe the intellectual property protection of others; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Jasper's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. If any of these risks materialize or Jasper's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. While Jasper may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Jasper specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Jasper's assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Contacts:Alex Gray (investors)Jasper Therapeutics650-549-1454 agray@ Joyce Allaire (investors)LifeSci Advisors617-435-6602jallaire@ Lauren Walker (media)Real Chemistry646-564-2156lbarbiero@ ---tables to follow---JASPER THERAPEUTICS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands, except share and per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 Operating expenses Research and development(1) $ 16,157 $ 10,298 General and administrative(1) 5,645 4,774 Total operating expenses 21,802 15,072 Loss from operations (21,802 ) (15,072 ) Interest income 624 1,386 Other expense, net (63 ) (42 ) Total other income, net 561 1,344 Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (21,241 ) $ (13,728 ) Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted $ (1.41 ) $ (1.03 ) Weighted-average shares used in computing net loss per share attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted 15,022,122 13,334,900 (1) Amounts include non-cash stock based compensation expense as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 Research and development $ 1,240 $ 820 General and administrative 571 349 Total $ 1,811 $ 1,169 JASPER THERAPEUTICS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) (unaudited) March 31, December 31, Assets 2025 2024 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 48,799 $ 71,637 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,375 4,174 Total current assets 53,174 75,811 Property and equipment, net 1,599 1,875 Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,875 976 Restricted cash 417 417 Other non-current assets 532 820 Total assets $ 57,597 $ 79,899 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 2,995 $ 4,027 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 1,835 1,089 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 7,504 10,121 Total current liabilities 12,334 15,237 Non-current portion of operating lease liabilities 755 724 Other non-current liabilities 2,264 2,264 Total liabilities 15,353 18,225 Commitments and contingencies — — Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock — — Common stock 2 2 Additional paid-in capital 304,352 302,541 Accumulated deficit (262,110 ) (240,869 ) Total stockholders' equity 42,244 61,674 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 57,597 $ 79,899
Time Magazine
30-04-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
Are Allergy Shots Worth It?
Nearly a third of American adults have some kind of allergy. If you're one of them, you're probably eager to find a solution. Allergy shots can provide long-lasting relief for certain non-food allergies, but there are some downsides. Is the time commitment, discomfort, and cost worth it? To help make that decision, here's the latest science behind allergy immunotherapy, how long the effects of the shots last, and what the future of allergy shots may hold. How do allergy shots work? Allergy shots have been around in one form or another since the 1910s. The idea is to desensitize an allergic person to a specific allergen, like pollen or cat dander. Your allergist will determine exactly what you're allergic to and then 'they make a specialized cocktail of allergens for that person,' says Dr. David Morris, chief of allergy and immunology at Dayton Children's Hospital. This cocktail contains very small, diluted amounts of those allergens and is then injected under your skin. 'This stimulates the immune system to feel like these things are normal and not foreign,' says allergist Dr. J. Allen Meadows, executive director of advocacy and governmental affairs at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) and a pediatric allergist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After your shot, you'll be observed for about 30 minutes. 'This is because you do have the potential to have a reaction; we're giving you something injectable that you're allergic to,' Morris says. Serious reactions are rare but can be life-threatening, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). For the next several months, you'll get one or two shots a week containing increasing amounts of your allergens. This process helps you slowly build a tolerance to those allergens, Meadows says. After about seven months, your doctor will be able to space out your doses to every two weeks. Eventually, you get to what's considered a maintenance dose, which is when you can move to 'a shot a month at a high dose of what you're allergic to,' says otolaryngologist Dr. Marc Dubin, chief medical officer at ENT Speciality Partners. You'll likely stick to that once-a-month shot for three to five years. It can take as long as 12 months on your maintenance dose before you notice your symptoms are improving. In other words, allergy shots are definitely a time commitment. If you can make the time, however, then comes the payoff: 'It changes your immune system on a long-term basis,' Meadows says. You don't have to take any more shots, and you're free of your allergy symptoms—often for decades, he says. 'Some allergists will say the results last 'forever,' but forever is a long time, so I'm not as comfortable with that.' Who gets the best results? Anyone older than 5 can benefit from allergy shots, according to the AAAAI. People with pollen allergies tend to really appreciate the treatment effects, Morris says. 'For a patient's quality of life, pollen is the [most] noticeable one, because people are miserable during pollen season, and they notice they're no longer miserable,' he says. But if your symptoms are severe to start with, you might not see as much relief, Dubin says. You shouldn't get allergy shots if you currently have severe asthma symptoms, or if you're taking certain medications, including beta-blockers for high blood pressure and certain antidepressants, he adds. Allergy shots can also be used for people who are allergic to insect stings, but the process often takes longer and comes with more risks, Dubin says. If your symptoms start to come back after a course of allergy shots, you can go for another round. In fact, that's quite common in Morris' practice, considering he treats children: They might complete allergy shots in childhood and repeat the process in their 30s, he says. How much do allergy shots cost? Insurance coverage varies from person to person, but most people can expect to have some out-of-pocket costs for allergy shots—anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for office-visit copays and the treatment itself, Morris says. 'I have seen some of the insurers charge a copay for every shot,' Morris says. 'So if you're getting 28 shots—one a week for six months—and you've got a $25 copay, you start to do the math.' The cost alone can make allergy shots unrealistic for some people. What advancements are in the pipeline? Some health care providers are using shorter timelines for administering allergy shots, sometimes referred to as rapid desensitization or cluster or rush immunotherapy. Instead of getting one shot a week during your build-up phase, you might get several shots a week—even more than one shot in a day, Morris says. This expedites the time it takes to reach the maintenance phase to a few weeks or months. However, people generally have a higher risk of having a reaction on a faster allergy shot schedule, he adds. There is also a tablet form of allergen immunotherapy that works for people who are allergic to ragweed, some grasses, and dust. You let the tablet dissolve under your tongue at least three days a week. While under-the-tongue tablets and drops have been popular in Europe for some time, this method hasn't really caught on in the U.S., where most insurance providers don't cover it without prior authorization, Meadows says. While the tablets can make your mouth itchy, the risk of serious side effects is low. So another plus of this technique is you can do it yourself at home without needing to be monitored by your doctor, Dubin says. Although it's still in early research phases, Morris is intrigued by a new technique involving injecting allergens into a lymph node, where immune cells live, rather than under the skin, called intralymphatic immunotherapy. This approach kicks in quickly: It takes just three injections over two months. However, it requires an ultrasound to deliver the shot, so it takes some technical skill and the right equipment, he says. It's currently available at a limited number of health care facilities, but it's not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 'Not all these are going to be right for every patient, [but] I'm excited for patients to get some quality-of-life improvements,' Morris says. 'I recommend people see a board-certified allergist and discuss these treatments and the risks and benefits and decide what's right for them.'
