Swiss scientists use cat-and-mouse tactics for allergy vaccine

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — Swiss scientists searching for a vaccine against cat allergies have adopted the maxim "my enemy's enemy is my friend" by successfully testing their formula on every mog's foe -- a mouse.

Like a Tom and Jerry cartoon set in a lab, a team from the Swiss asthma and allergies research institute (SIAF) first tested their protein molecule-based vaccine on mice and have now received a green light from regulatory authorities for human trials.

Chief researcher Reto Crameri told Swiss news agency ATS that the new vaccine was 100 times more effective than the natural extracts currently used to treat cat allergies.

Only three vaccinations are necessary, in contrast to the 20-30 jabs needed over three months under the current regime, which also entails a...