London, Oct 4

Scientists have zeroed-in on new treatments for people with allergies to grasses and to dust mites, says a study.

The treatments are from a new class of therapy, known as 'synthetic peptide immuno-regulatory epitopes', or SPIREs.

There are two treatments, one for grass allergy, which is commonly known as hay fever, and the other for dust mite allergy.

These are expected to help people who, as a reaction to grass pollen or the tiny bugs that live in house dust, have sneezing bouts, itching eyes and a running nose, impacting their productivity at school or work.

The two studies were conducted by Adiga Life Sciences, a joint venture between McMaster University and Circassia, a UK-based biotechnology company, and was supported by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton.

It is estimated that these allergens together are responsible for more than 50 percent of allergic respiratory disease. Between 15 and 25 per cent of the population in North America and Europe is sensitive to pollen from different grass species.

One in four people is sensitised to house dust mites, more than any other common allergen, which includes millions of people in these regions, reports Science Daily.

By:IANS