JMU expert available to comment on allergy vaccine breakthrough 

HARRISONBURG, Va. — A study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows promise for treating and preventing seasonal and food allergies with an mRNA vaccine that is similar to a COVID-19 vaccine. 

While the vaccine has yet to be tested on humans, James Madison University health sciences professor Sojib Zaman said the trials with mice suggest a strong potential for future human applications. 

"The adaptability of mRNA technology, which proved effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, opens exciting possibilities for treating chronic conditions like allergies," said Zaman. 

Zaman, who has more than 10 years of research experience in implementing, managing, monitoring and evaluating health projects and research studies on infectious and chronic diseases, also says: 

• The best treatment currently available for allergies depends on the type and severity of the allergy. For many, antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin or Allegra, provide effective symptom relief. Nasal corticosteroids are considered the most effective for nasal allergies. 

• The new mRNA vaccine represents a shift in how we might approach allergy treatment in the future, not just managing symptoms but potentially preventing allergic reactions altogether.  

 
To schedule an interview with Zaman, contact Eric Gorton, gortonej@jmu.edu.