DBV Technologies has been engaged in the development of a number of treatments for allergies and allergic conditions in the course of the last few years. This French company has created a new product called Viaskin, which could be used to diagnose and treat allergies including peanut allergy, cow’s milk protein allergy and hen’s egg allergy.

The Viaskin platform (http://www.dbv-technologies.com/en/viaskin-products/viaskin-plateform) also has the potential to treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis, which has recently been recognized as being an allergic condition. This disorder can lead to weight loss, heartburn and difficulties in swallowing.

The Viaskin patch is composed of a titanium backing, upon which is sprayed a fine layer of antigens (using the electrospray you can see below) and an adhesive crown. When placed upon the patient’s arm, a kind of condensation chamber is created, leading to a ‘super-hydrated’ epidermis. In turn this enables the now dry antigens to resolubilize and penetrate the skin. Once through the skin, the antigens can enter the Langerhans cells, which are ideal for desensitization purposes, being highly tolerogenic. This approach is much safer than any solutions which rely on antigens being introduced directly into the blood.