Publications by authors named "Christoph Willers"

Background: Natural allergen sources contain a variety of allergens, against which allergic subjects have developed individual sensitization profiles. Ideal allergen products for skin prick testing (SPT) and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) should contain the complete set of allergens of the respective allergen sources to cover all sensitization profiles. However, commercially available allergen products were shown to vary regarding their allergen composition.

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Allergen exposure chambers (AECs) can be used for controlled exposure to allergenic and non-allergenic airborne particles in an enclosed environment, in order to (i) characterize the pathological features of respiratory diseases and (ii) contribute to and accelerate the clinical development of pharmacological treatments and allergen immunotherapy for allergic disease of the respiratory tract (such as allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and allergic asthma). In the guidelines of the European Medicines Agency for the clinical development of products for allergen immunotherapy (AIT), the role of AECs in determining primary endpoints in dose-finding Phase II trials is emphasized. Although methodologically insulated from the variability of natural pollen exposure, chamber models remain confined to supporting secondary, rather than primary, endpoints in Phase III registration trials.

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Background: Despite the efficacy of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), the role of trained immunity and tolerance in this process has not been elucidated.

Objective: Here, we have performed a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of the systemic innate immune cell repertoire during the course of AIT.

Methods: Patients with allergy received standard preseasonal subcutaneous AIT with allergoids to birch and/or grass.

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The seventh "Future of the Allergists and Specific Immunotherapy (FASIT)" workshop held in 2019 provided a platform for global experts from academia, allergy clinics, regulatory authorities and industry to review current developments in the field of allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Key domains of the meeting included the following: (a) Biomarkers for AIT and allergic asthma; (b) visions for the future of AIT; (c) progress and data for AIT in asthma and the updates of GINA and EAACI Asthma Guidelines (separated for house dust mite SCIT, SLIT tablets and SLIT drops; patient populations) including a review of clinically relevant endpoints in AIT studies in asthma; (d) regulatory prerequisites such as the "Therapy Allergen Ordinance" in Germany; (e) optimization of trial design in AIT clinical research; (f) challenges planning and conducting phase III (field) studies and the future role of Allergen Exposure Chambers (AEC) in AIT product development from the regulatory point of view. We report a summary of panel discussions of all six domains and highlight unmet needs and possible solutions for the future.

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Reliable models for the determination of skin penetration and permeation are important for the development of new drugs and formulations. The intention of our study was to develop a skin penetration model which (1) is viable and well supplied with nutrients during the period of the experiment (2) is mimicking human skin as far as possible, but still is independent from the problems of supply and heterogeneity, (3) can give information about the penetration into different compartments of the skin and (4) considers specific inter-individual differences in skin thickness. In addition, it should be quick and inexpensive (5) and without ethical implications (6).

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This double-blind controlled phase II study was conducted to compare a newly developed formulation of mometasone furoate with a water content of 33% (Monovo® Cream) and with a smooth consistency versus the commercially available fatty cream of mometasone furoate (Ecural® Fettcreme) in terms of efficacy, cosmetic properties, and patients' acceptance. In 20 patients with mild to moderate atopic eczema, the preparations were tested intraindividually in a randomized mode and in two comparable lesion areas. Both preparations were equally effective and well tolerated.

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Background: Actinic keratoses (AK) have been classified as early in situ squamous cell carcinomas and should be treated.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical benefit of 5-fluorouracil 0.5%/salicylic acid 10.

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Background: Systemic isotretinoin has been known for decades to be effective in the treatment of severe forms of rosacea, but it must be used off-label because of the lack of evidence-based data.

Patients And Methods: 573 patients with rosacea subtype II and III received one of three different dosages of isotretinoin (0.1 mg, 0.

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Background: Topical corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for numerous inflammatory or hyperproliferative skin diseases. The vasoconstriction assay is suitable to determinate corticosteroid activity.

Patients And Methods: 60 healthy volunteers were studied.

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