RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Atopy Network - Comprehensive Allergy Centers: Medical Care of Patients With Moderate to Severe Allergic Diseases

This study, called the Atopy Network Registry, aims to gather detailed information about people in Germany who have moderate to severe allergic conditions like eczema, asthma, and food allergies. The goal is to understand how these conditions are currently treated and to find out which systemic treatments (medicines that affect the whole body) are most effective and safe. By collecting standardised data, researchers hope to improve care for people with these conditions. It's an observational study, meaning participants won't receive new experimental treatments, but their existing care will be closely monitored. The project also explores the link between genetics and these allergic diseases.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Charite University, Berlin, Germany

Enrolment target

600

Start

08 Dec 2022

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2025

Atopic Disorders

What is this study about?

Imagine a registry like a large, organised notebook where doctors record important information about people with serious allergies and related conditions such as eczema, asthma, or severe food allergies. This study, called the Atopy Network, aims to create such a notebook for patients in Germany.

The main idea is to learn more about how these conditions are currently managed. Many people with one serious allergic condition often have others too – for example, someone with severe eczema might also have asthma or hay fever. These co-occurring conditions can really affect a person's daily life. Doctors want to understand which treatments work best for these complex situations, how well patients feel with these treatments, and if there are any side effects. Because there isn't a standard, one-size-fits-all treatment plan, collecting this information helps figure out the best approaches.

This study is also interested in gathering a deeper understanding of these conditions. For some patients, there's an option to provide samples (like blood) which can help scientists look at genes and the immune system. This could uncover new connections and help doctors understand why some people have more severe allergies than others. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of life and the treatment options available for people living with these challenging allergic diseases.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve understanding of moderate to severe allergic conditions.
It collects information on existing treatments for conditions like eczema, asthma, and food allergies.
The goal is to find out which treatments work best and are safest.
It's an observational study, meaning no new experimental treatments are given.
Participants must have at least two severe allergic conditions.
The study may involve providing optional samples to explore genetic links to allergies.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must be at least 6 years old. You should have been diagnosed with a moderate to severe allergic condition, such as severe eczema or asthma, and your doctors must be planning to treat you with a specific type of medication called a biologic systemic therapy.

Crucially, you also need to have at least one other significant allergic condition in addition to your main one. For example, if you have severe eczema, you might also have severe asthma or a serious food allergy.

There are also some things that would prevent you from joining. If you have fewer than two allergic conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if your doctors feel you might struggle to consistently follow the study requirements, you might not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 6 years old?
Do you have a moderate to severe allergic condition, like severe eczema or asthma, that your doctor plans to treat with a biologic medicine?
Do you have at least one other significant allergic condition (e.g., severe asthma if your main condition is severe eczema)?
Are you currently not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Is your doctor confident you can regularly attend appointments and follow instructions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new or experimental medications. Instead, your doctors will continue to manage your allergies as they normally would. The study involves collecting information about your health, your allergic conditions, and the treatments you are already receiving. This information will be gathered in a standardised way, likely through regular clinical visits. There's an optional part of the study where you could provide biological samples (like blood) to help researchers understand more about your condition. This study will follow participants over a long period, but the exact duration of your personal involvement will be discussed with you by your doctor. The aim is to observe and record your journey with your condition and its treatment over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help advance our overall understanding of allergic conditions and their treatments, which could benefit future patients. As it's an observational study, you won't receive new treatments or procedures, so the direct medical risks related to new interventions are minimal. However, providing data and potentially biological samples might involve some inconvenience or minor discomfort. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of allergic conditions are included in this study?

This study includes several conditions like severe eczema (atopic dermatitis), asthma, food allergies, severe hay fever (allergic rhinitis), and chronic hives (urticaria).

Will I get new medicine if I join this study?

No, this is an observational study. You will continue to receive the standard medical care and treatments that your doctors recommend for your conditions.

What does a 'systemic therapy' mean?

A systemic therapy is a medicine that affects your whole body, not just one specific area. Examples include certain types of injections or pills for allergic conditions.

What does it mean for a study to be 'observational'?

An observational study means researchers watch and collect information about what's already happening with your health and treatment. They don't test new drugs or tell you what medicines to take.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal health information collected for the study will be handled with strict confidentiality and privacy according to regulations.

How to find out more

Margitta Worm, Prof.

margitta.worm@charite.de +49 30 450 518105 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.