DBV-Technologies – could its Viaskin product usher in an exciting new era in immunotherapy?
DBV Technologies is currently working hard on a number of allergy treatments based around its Viaskin patch technology. This adhesive patch is designed to produce a gradual desensitization effect in patients suffering from cow’s milk protein, house dust mite and peanut allergy.
As the patch is simple in its concept, if not in the technology behind it, DBV-Technologies’ researchers are looking at other uses that the patch could have. If you click on the photograph below, you’ll reach the ‘other applications’ section of the website, which offers an overview of some of the partnerships that the company has embarked on. Collaboration agreements have been signed with a number of prestigious tertiary-level educational establishments and medical institutes, mostly in Europe and North America. The possibilities include a range of treatments for medical conditions other than allergies – vaccines or booster vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus and pertussis, Crohn’s disease, Haemophilia A and more. Obviously, the basic principle behind the patch opens the door to treating additional allergies. Currently the company is teaming up with another firm to explore the development of a treatment for birch pollen allergy.