[STATE-OF-THE-ART OF GLOBAL START-UP INVESTMENT FOR ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY 2022].

BACKGROUND: In 2022, the "New Capitalism Grand Design and Implementation Plan" was adopted in Japan, emphasizing the promotion and environmental development of startups. Given this context, an investigation into the startup and investment landscape in the allergy sector, both domestically and internationally, becomes imperative. METHODS: We analyzed 156 allergy-related startups from Japan, the US, and Europe from 2010 to 2021. Data on corporate information and investment trends were extracted from databases and VC websites. RESULTS: The total investment reached approximately 7.2 billion USD, with a ratio of 20:6:1 for the US, Europe, and Japan, respectively. The US showed a decline post its peak from 2016-2018, while Europe and Japan experienced growth. Notably, the US primarily invested in biopharmaceuticals for atopic dermatitis and food allergies, Europe in asthma-related apps, and Japan in healthcare apps and cross-border startups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: While Japan's investment environment in the allergy sector remains in its nascent stages and has room for development, the US and Europe are evidently ahead. Considering the rise of startups and funding limitations in Japan, external funding from regions like the US becomes a potential avenue. These findings are anticipated to contribute to the strategic activation of startups in allergy research and development.

Understanding parent preferences for NHS paediatric allergy services.

OBJECTIVES: To understand parent preferences for NHS paediatric allergy services. DESIGN: A stated preference study (discrete choice experiment). SETTING: West Midlands, UK. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of parents of children aged 16 years or younger recruited from the general population through a third party company approved by the University of Birmingham. INTERVENTION: An online questionnaire with 18 choice questions describing two hypothetical paediatric allergy specialist clinics described in terms of the clinician, information provision, additional facilities, waiting times and out of pocket expenses. Main outcome measures Preference and willingness to pay estimates for each of the specified attributes. RESULTS: Parents strongly preferred that their children be reviewed by consultants or specialist nurses formally trained in allergy compared with consultants with no formal allergy training [Willingness to pay (WTP) estimates for nurse specialist £150.9 (138.8-163.2), trained allergy consultants £218.7 (205.7-231.9), compared with consultants without formal training]. They were willing to wait longer to see trained practitioners. Parents also expressed a strong preference for improving online information regarding allergies [WTP for written information £18.4 (6.1-30.6) and £72.6 for improved online information (59.9-85.3), compared with verbal information]. Specialist clinics with additional dietician and eczema support were also preferred [WTP £29.9 (19.8-40.1), compared with no additional support]. CONCLUSIONS: Parents showed strong preference for formally trained practitioners in specialist allergy clinics. Access to improved online allergy information and additional facilities within allergy clinics were also preferred. These findings have implications for future commissioning of paediatric allergy services in the UK.

Citizens unite for computational immunology!

Recruiting volunteers who can provide computational time, programming expertise, or puzzle-solving talent has emerged as a powerful tool for biomedical research. Recent projects demonstrate the potential for such 'crowdsourcing' efforts in immunology. Tools for developing applications, new funding opportunities, and an eager public make crowdsourcing a serious option for creative solutions for computationally-challenging problems. Expanded uses of crowdsourcing in immunology will allow for more efficient large-scale data collection and analysis. It will also involve, inspire, educate, and engage the public in a variety of meaningful ways. The benefits are real - it is time to jump in!

Science and society: promoting the learning of immunology in developing countries.

In 2005, the economic gap between developing and developed countries is bigger than ever, and this has consequences for public health. So, to sustain education and research in the most resource-constrained regions, it is necessary to promote local teaching of the immunology of infectious diseases. This Perspective article reviews the use and expected efficiency of current Internet-based tools for higher education in the biomedical sciences in developing countries. We also discuss other approaches to improve access to updated training in immunology for students in the poorest countries.

The 10th anniversary of the Junior Members and Affiliates of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Junior Members and Affiliates (JMAs). The aim of this review is to highlight the work and activities of EAACI JMAs. To this end, we have summarized all the initiatives taken by JMAs during the last 10 yr. EAACI JMAs are currently a group of over 2380 clinicians and scientists under the age of 35 yr, who support the continuous education of the Academy's younger members. For the past decade, JMAs enjoy a steadily increasing number of benefits such as free online access to the Academy's journals, the possibility to apply for Fellowships and the Mentorship Program, travel grants to attend scientific meetings, and many more. In addition, JMAs have been involved in task forces, cooperation schemes with other scientific bodies, organization of JMA focused sessions during EAACI meetings, and participation in the activities of EAACI communication platforms. EAACI JMA activities represent an ideal example of recruiting, training, and educating young scientists in order for them to thrive as future experts in their field. This model may serve as a prototype for other scientific communities, several of which have already adapted similar policies.

Allergy practice in the academic otolaryngology setting: results of a comprehensive survey.

OBJECTIVE: To survey academic otolaryngology centers and obtain information regarding their practice of otolaryngic allergy. STUDY DESIGN: A 12-item multiple-choice survey was sent to all academic otolaryngology department chairmen and program directors, as well as all academic liaisons known to the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. RESULTS: Representatives of 71 of 102 (69.6%) accredited otolaryngology programs responded; 52 of 84 respondents reported an active otolaryngic allergy practice at their institution. The testing method most widely employed by those surveyed is intradermal dilutional testing (IDT). The majority of respondents (74.5%) felt that the addition of allergy increased referrals to their department, and a similar majority (72%) were operating at a profit. The most common reasons cited for adding allergy services were to meet educational and residency requirements. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of academic otolaryngology programs in the United States currently offer otolaryngic allergy services. The primary reason cited for adding these services is for educational purposes, but there appear to be potential financial benefits as well. EBM RATING: C-4.

Economic and political implications of immunology and aging on tomorrow's society.

The historic development of immunology is associated with Eli Metchnikoff who introduced the term 'gerontology' in 1906. Metchnikoff also understood the impact of population aging on society as revealed in two remarkable books. The immune system is relevant to aging in so many ways immunesenescence, the potential role of immunological changes in the dementias, the interrelationship of immune resistance and bereavement, retirement and other life changes and transplantation biology and pathology. These are only a few examples of the interrelationships of immunology and aging. The economic and political implications of immunology and aging are rarely discussed. If we are not able to cure the disorders of longevity, we need to delay their onset and progression. Such an effort is enhanced by modern biology including recombinant DNA and Hybridoma technology. Many in society fear the growing numbers of older persons-can we afford old age? Will population aging lead to stagnation of society and will there be intergenerational conflicts? These gloomy notions are not entirely offset by enthusiasm for an extended high quality longevity. This presentation will discuss these various issues and offer positive solutions.