RESEARCHERS in Southampton have renewed their appeal for children who suffer from hayfever to take part in a study that is due to start in a few weeks.
They want youngsters with hayfever to take part in clinical trials of a drug that could prevent them from developing asthma.
Researchers need 100 children to take part in the study at Southampton General Hospital’s Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility – the UK’s chief site in the European-wide five-year study involving a total of 650 children.
The study will investigate whether or not a tablet already approved in Europe for treating the grass pollen allergy can halt the onset of the chronic lung disease.
Youngsters aged four to 11 will either receive the allergy tablet or a placebo.
Dr Graham Roberts said: “We know the drug increases the body’s tolerance to grass pollen and reduces allergic symptoms, but we hope to find out whether the drug, if taken early enough, can prevent children going on to develop asthma.”
For information call Michelle Casey on 023 8079 6322 or email michelle.casey@suht.swest.nhs.uk.
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