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During the past 60 years allergy has become a worldwide epidemic that causes both social and economic burden. One billion people are already affected, and the number is increasing dramatically. There are a number of drugs available to alleviate the symptoms, but a more sustained remedy would be called for.

Our solution is an immunotherapeutic hypoallergen against allergies. We are developing products that consist of isolated, modified recombinant allergens called hypoallergens. The goal is to help the human body react differently to allergens.

A key component in the allergic reaction is the IgE antibody. IgE antibodies trigger the allergic symptoms when allergens cross-link them on the surface of mast cells. Without the cross-link, allergic symptoms are suppressed. The hypoallergens in our products do not cross-link the IgE antibodies. Instead, they induce the production of IgG antibodies whose role is to help immobilize and destroy allergens. The immune system learns this behavior. The next time it encounters wild type allergens, it uses the IgG antibodies to destroy them instead of launching an allergic reaction. This provides long-term protection from allergy.

1

If you are allergic, your body produces allergen-specific IgE antibodies. The allergens cross-link the IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells. This triggers the allergic symptoms.

2

The modified hypoallergens in our products cannot cross-link the IgE antibodies. Thus, the allergic reaction does not initiate. Instead, the hypoallergen induces the production of IgG antibodies whose role is to help destroy allergens. 

3

Next time you encounter natural allergens, your body uses the IgG antibodies to destroy them instead of launching an allergic reaction. This behavior stays in the immunological memory, protecting from allergy in the future.

  • Wild-type allergen
  • Modified allergen
  • IgE antibody
  • IgG antibody

Finnish scientists at the University of Eastern Finland and the VTT Technical Research Center started the development of the hypoallergens. They managed to isolate an allergen that did not form an IgE bond and realized that it could be a breakthrough in the fight against allergies. Desentum was founded to drive the development and commercialization of these new types of hypoallergens.

Immunotherapeutic products currently on the market do not contain allergens modified to prevent the IgE cross-link. Immunotherapy usually takes years and dozens of visits to the doctor. This causes poor adherence to the treatment.

We are utilizing the latest knowledge of the molecular interactions in the allergic reaction to specifically modify each allergen. This technology allows for safer and faster treatment.

Read more about our R&D program »