Zurich – Scientists at the universities of Zurich and Bern have developed a new vaccine that can help treat allergic diseases in dogs and horses. The findings could lead to similar therapeutic vaccines for humans.

The new vaccine, which is based on virus-like nanoparticles, supports the immune system and is optimized for elderly and immune-compromised animals, explained the University of Zurich in a statement.   

Designed to help treat chronic allergic diseases, the vaccine has already proved successful for the treatment of sensitivity to insect bites in horses and atopic dermatitis in dogs.

The new vaccine technology “will likely change the way we will medically treat our furry partners”, commented Martin Bachmann of the University Hospital of Bern.

Alongside the universities of Zurich and Bern, the University of Oxford and the Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre helped develop the vaccine technology.

The vaccines are being developed by joint efforts from academic labs, University of Zurich spin-off companies and private international partners.  

The new insights gained in horses may lead to the development of similar therapies for humans, confirmed the University of Zurich in the statement.

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