International Team Advances Vaccine for Dog Allergies
Researchers at Sechenov University, together with colleagues from the Medical University of Vienna, are developing a vaccine aimed at canine allergies. The project was discussed with Moscow State Medical University, reinforcing the collaboration between leading institutions in Russia and Austria. Sechenov’s participation underscores the ongoing effort to translate scientific discovery into practical treatments for patients affected by dog allergies, a condition that impacts countless households.
Estimates suggest that approximately 150 million people worldwide suffer from dog-related allergic reactions. This sizable number motivates scientists to push forward with therapies that improve daily life for those with sensitivities, itching, respiratory symptoms, and other allergic responses triggered by dogs. The work highlights a broader mission to expand safe and effective options in allergy management for populations in North America and beyond.
Historically, researchers have already introduced the SuperCat vaccine to counteract cat allergies. SuperCat demonstrated promising performance during preclinical studies and has since progressed toward clinical evaluation. The vaccine’s demonstrated efficacy and favorable safety profile set a high bar for subsequent developments in pet-related immunotherapies. The team notes that SuperCat’s early results were a catalyst for broader exploration into vaccines addressing animal-derived allergies.
In reflecting on the collaboration, Alexander Karaulov, who leads the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology at Sechenov University, remarked on the challenges and rewards of the joint effort. He explained that the teams in Moscow and Vienna faced a demanding journey, with the plan advancing toward toxicological and clinical studies slated to begin in the near term, followed by regulatory submission for vaccine approval. The goal is to establish a robust, safe option for preventing canine allergy symptoms that can improve the quality of life for patients regardless of age or location.
Plans are underway for a new canine allergy vaccine that mirrors the framework used in SuperCat, adapting proven approaches to canine immunology and patient safety. This next step includes comprehensive safety assessments and effectiveness evaluations, ensuring the vaccine performs reliably in diverse populations. The researchers emphasize that the path from discovery to clinical use involves meticulous testing, transparent reporting, and rigorous oversight to gain approval from health authorities in Canada, the United States, and other markets.
Beyond the immediate project, the teams are exploring how advances in genetics and immunology may illuminate why some individuals develop stronger reactions to dogs. Ongoing studies aim to identify biomarkers that predict allergy severity and vaccine responsiveness, potentially guiding personalized treatment strategies in the future. The scientific community watches with interest as these findings could influence broader allergy research and the design of preventive vaccines for other animal-related sensitivities. (Citation: Sechenov University and Medical University of Vienna communications)