EAACI 2026 Interview: Aspasia Karavelia on Allergy Research Advances

A Closer Look at Allergy Medicine's Future

At the EAACI 2026 congress, Dr Aspasia Karavelia sat down with EMJ to share her views on where allergy research is heading. The interview, held in a packed conference room, touched on several key developments that could reshape how doctors diagnose and treat allergic conditions.

Karavelia, a recognised voice in the field, did not mince words. She stressed that the current one-size-fits-all approach is no longer enough. Patients present with vastly different profiles, and treatment must catch up.

Personalised Diagnostics Take Centre Stage

One of the main points Karavelia raised was the shift toward precision medicine. She explained that new biomarker panels are helping clinicians pinpoint specific allergic triggers with far greater accuracy. This means fewer unnecessary medications and better outcomes for patients.

She noted that several European centres are already piloting these panels. Early results appear promising, though she cautioned that widespread adoption will take time. Training and infrastructure remain hurdles.

Immunotherapy Gets an Upgrade

Another highlight from the interview was the discussion on modern immunotherapy. Karavelia pointed out that next-generation allergy shots and sublingual tablets are being designed to work faster and with fewer side effects. Some trials are even exploring combination therapies that target multiple allergens at once.

She described this as a “quiet revolution” in the field. Patients who once endured years of injections may soon have shorter, more comfortable treatment courses.

Environmental Factors Under the Microscope

Karavelia also touched on the role of climate change in allergy patterns. She stated that rising temperatures and changing pollen seasons are making it harder for patients to manage symptoms. Doctors, she said, must now factor in environmental data when planning long-term care.

The congress dedicated several sessions to this intersection of allergy and climate science. Karavelia called for more funding to study how air pollution and pollen interact to worsen respiratory allergies.

Collaboration Across Borders

The interview ended with a strong plea for unity. Karavelia urged allergy centres across Europe to share data more openly. She believes that pooling patient information will accelerate the discovery of new treatments and help standardise care.

EAACI, she noted, is already working on a shared registry. The challenge lies in convincing individual clinics to participate fully. But Karavelia remains optimistic. “We are at a turning point,” she said.

The coming year will show whether the research discussed at EAACI 2026 translates into real-world change. Regulators and pharmaceutical companies are watching closely. For patients, the hope is that these advances arrive sooner rather than later.