The Alpha-gal Research Initiative
Landscape analysis
Pathophysiology & clinical translation
Economic burden
Epidemiology
Collaborators
Goal
Catalyze research that deepens the scientific understanding of alpha-gal syndrome, improves its diagnosis and treatment, quantifies its economic burden, and advances its prevention.
Landscape analysis
Mapping the current alpha-gal syndrome evidence base will help identify critical research gaps, clarify unanswered questions, and inform priority-setting for future research.
Priority
Map the current alpha-gal syndrome evidence base to identify research gaps and opportunities for future work.
Research supported
Collaboration to Describe the Current Landscape of Alpha-gal Syndrome
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), in collaboration with the Pork Checkoff and the Alpha-gal Alliance, has commissioned a research team led by Old Dominion University to complete a landscape analysis to better understand alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).
The analysis is being led by Dr. Holly Gaff, Dr. Sadie Ryan, and Dr. Emily Owens Pickle. The project will synthesize current research on AGS, tick ecology, and economic impacts, and will draw on interviews with scientific, public health, and patient/advocacy stakeholders to identify key research gaps and priorities for future work.
Download landscape analysis press release
Pathophysiology and Clinical Translation
Research on the immunologic mechanisms and natural history of alpha-gal syndrome is essential to defining disease pathophysiology, characterizing clinical variability and progression, and translating these findings into improved diagnostics, management, and potential therapies.
Priority #1
Deepen our understanding of the immunological mechanisms and natural history of alpha-gal syndrome.
Priority #2
Develop, improve, and evaluate protocols, therapies, and other tools for the management of AGS.
Priority #3
Promote clinician communication on emerging evidence and advances in the diagnosis and management of alpha-gal syndrome.
Research supported
The Commins Lab
The Commins Lab is led by Scott Commins, MD, PhD. The lab’s primary research goal is to discover the immunologic mechanisms underlying the development of alpha-gal syndrome.
Sarah McGill–AGS research
Dr. Sarah McGill, MD, MSc is a gastroenterologist and health services researcher whose work focuses on the gastrointestinal effects of alpha-gal syndrome. She has spoken internationally on alpha-gal syndrome to physician audiences and leads a multidisciplinary team that is performing the world’s first double-blind alpha-gal oral food challenge.
Economic and Occupational Burden
Determining the economic and occupational burden of alpha-gal syndrome is important to understand the full impact of the condition on patients, families, healthcare systems, and communities. These data can help guide public health efforts, policy decisions, and resource allocation.
Priority
Determine the economic and occupational burden of alpha-gal syndrome.
Research supported
Dr. Shaun Cross, PhD, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Alpha-gal Syndrome Economic and Occupational Burden Analysis
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is essential for characterizing the prevalence and geographic distribution of alpha-gal syndrome and for monitoring trends in its expansion. Epidemiologic data are critical for informing public health decision-making, policy, and resource allocation.
Priority
Advance surveillance of alpha-gal syndrome to aid public health decision-making.
Research supported
Lea Hamner, MPH– Alpha-gal Syndrome Epidemiologic Research Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation
Through field epidemiology—the “disease detective” work of identifying who develops AGS or other infections and why—Lea Hamner is uncovering data that could save lives. Knowing who faces the highest risk for severe reactions guides prevention programs that protect those most vulnerable before they’re bitten.
Collaborators
