What we offer
A platform for researchers
GA²LEN provides an integrated platform for research in allergy and asthma with harmonized tools and methods in its centres. The network that has now centres in 20 countries can benefit from the European diversity for risk factors studies and prevention schemes. Pilot protocols for clinical studies in several GA²LEN centres have been tested, which could open the door to further public-private collaboration. The network aims at developing novel biomarkers, treatment and preventive strategies.
Guidelines and lifelong learning
GA²LEN promotes the development of a high-level, large scale international and multidisciplinary scientific community. Allergy schools, training sessions and e-learning support the clinical and research activities of junior scientists and health professionals. Scientists can use the GA²LEN communication platform and programmes for mobility and exchange.
For patients, public and policy makers
The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing in the European population over the last decades, most clearly in children. Allergic diseases are currently insufficiently diagnosed, suboptimally managed and generally undertreated. GA²LEN contributes to raising awareness on this public health problem and develops educational material for patients and the general public. Podcast
Our activities
Our special Apps
CRUSE App
CRUSE® stands for ChRonic Urticaria Self Evaluation
The CRUSE® advantage for patients and physicians
CRUSE® enables patients to fill out their Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROMs) daily on their smart device
CRUSE® reminds patients daily to monitor their quality of life through push notification
CRUSE® allows patients to send a report of their PROM scores to their treating physician via Email, QR, WhatsApp or other communication paths
CRUSE® promotes continued monitoring and documentation of CSU disease activity, impact and control that is needed for patients to receive optimal treatment
MAST2HAVE App
MASTHAVE® was developed by leading experts in the field of mastocytosis to help patients document the progression of their disease. It only takes a few minutes a day to document your symptoms and their impact on your quality of life.
Continuous monitoring
Record your mastocytosis activity and possible symptom triggers on a daily basis. This will allow you to track changes in your symptoms and medication use.
Overview of disease course
Document your disease course and evaluate the effects of your treatment and lifestyle changes. This information can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your treatment.
Convenient data exchange
Easily share your results with your doctor as a PDF or QR code. This facilitates information sharing and collaboration.
PROMS
What are Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS)?
PROMS are tools to measure and assess diseases such as urticaria. These questionnaires are a useful tool in order to document urticaria activity and patient’s symptom control as well as quality of life at initial presentation and changes in response to treatment.
Examples for PROMS in relation to Angioedema are the AECT (Angioedema Control Test) or the AE-Quol (Angioedema Quality of Life Instrument).
Examples for PROMs used for urticaria include the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS), the Urticaria Control Test (UCT) and the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CUQ2oL).
Guidelines
GA²LEN provides comprehensive guidelines for managing allergies and related conditions, including food allergies, anaphylaxis, and urticaria. Their guidelines are developed through collaboration with international experts and organizations, ensuring evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, classification, and treatment.
For example, the 2022 GA²LEN guidelines on food allergy emphasize a systematic approach to managing allergic reactions, focusing on allergen immunotherapy and biological therapies. These therapies aim to desensitize individuals to allergens, improving tolerance and reducing severe reactions. The guidelines also highlight the importance of educational interventions and risk management strategies to help patients manage their condition safely. They incorporate recommendations based on systematic reviews of clinical trials and observational studies to ensure high confidence in the treatment approaches they endorse GAF Forum EAACI Knowledge Hub.
In the area of urticaria management, the guidelines stress precise classification of the condition, whether acute or chronic, and recommend treatments such as antihistamines or immune modulators depending on the severity. The collaboration between GA²LEN and other organizations, like EAACI and EuroGuiDerm, ensures a broad, multidisciplinary consensus that considers both clinical outcomes and patient quality of lifeGAF Forum.
These guidelines provide clinicians with structured pathways to manage allergic diseases effectively while focusing on patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Podcast
All Things Angioedema podcast episodes are approximately 15 minutes long and will be hosted by Dr. Thomas Buttgereit (Germany), one of the stars of the ACARE network. In each episode, he will talk to physicians, patient organizations and people of interest in the angioedema community from around the world to teach listeners all the ins-and-outs of angioedema.
With more than 80 episodes already published and 10.000 listeners in the initial 18-month period – one of the most successful formats in the UCARE LevelUp program – the All things Urticaria is an invaluable ressource for all physicians and patients interested to learn more about this disease.
You can listen to the podcast at Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Recent Research Highlights and Projects
Publications
Publish over 500 scientific works contributed by its members, focusing on advancements and research in allergy and asthma. These publications cover a wide range of topics, including the effectiveness of various treatments, epidemiological studies, and innovative approaches to allergy prevention and management. The network’s contributions significantly enhance the understanding of allergy and asthma, supporting its mission to reduce the burden of these conditions.