Allergy immunization possible from new research — based on camels

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KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It is estimated that 800 million people worldwide suffer from some allergy to pollen, and if you are one of them, I am quite certain that you are not looking forward to the next few months with symptoms like a runny nose, cough and breathing issues. 

Now there may be help — from camels.

Researchers have found a way to immunize camels with pollen allergies to obtain single-chain antibodies for treatment of pollen allergies. 

These so-called isolated-chain antibodies are the most effective way to fight allergies. More work has to be done, but it is interesting concept.