The project consists of developing a new therapeutic approach: a vaccine that will offer a less costly and more effective solution in the long term
The Roquette Foundation for Health, under the aegis of La Fondation de France, has been supporting innovative or educational programs in the field of food and nutrition for the past three years. This year, the Foundation presented its first Research Award as well as a Jury’s ‘Coup de Coeur’ Award, during a digital event.
The 2020 Research Award has been given to Laurent Reber (PhD) for his work on food allergies.
The jury, gathering French experts from the medical and academic spheres, chose this winning project, which addresses a public health issue that affects 10% of the population, particularly children.
A nominee in the category “Prevention in healthcare: what are the stakes and approaches around food and nutrition?”, the winning project led by Laurent Reber (PhD) highlights the key role played by a molecule called IgE (Immunoglobulin E) in food allergies. It is based on recent clinical studies showing that a therapeutic antibody can block this IgE and induce significant beneficial effects. Today, its cost remains very high and greatly reduces its potential as a therapy in the treatment of these allergies.
The project therefore consists of developing a new therapeutic approach: a vaccine that will offer a less costly and more effective solution in the long term. It will improve the life quality of many people suffering from food allergies. With this Award, Laurent Reber (PhD) and his team receive an endowment worth €25,000 to continue their work.
“This support from the Roquette Foundation for Health is fundamental because this project represents a major potential breakthrough in the treatment of food allergies. A vaccine approach will make it possible to treat a larger number of patients in the long run. Therefore, we will be able to change the lives of these patients suffering from severe food allergies”, explained Laurent Reber.
“Awarding a Research Award is very meaningful to us, especially during this unprecedented year. “Believing in progress” is one of the pillars of our Foundation. The project promoted by Doctor Reber and his team offers an innovative solution that will be beneficial in the long term for the health of women and men all around the world. We look forward to supporting it!” said Anne Lambin, Head of the Roquette Foundation for Health.