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Information updates

ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy Priorities

Implementation is progressing in 2024 for the ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy for Australia and New Zealand, following an ASCIA PID/IEI resources working party meeting held on 10th May 2024 and an implementation meeting on 28th April 2023. The 2023 meeting was attended by a range of stakeholders including clinicians (clinical immunologists, specialist nurses and allied health), patient/carer organisations (AusPIPs, IDFA and IDFNZ), and researchers.  As a result of this meeting a list of priorities was developed which are outlined below,

Priority 1) Clinical Care Standard which includes care by GPs and other health professionals. (Goals 2, 3, 4, 5, 8)

An ASCIA Clinical Care Standard for Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) will be developed to assist in benchmarking and advocating for optimal services and treatment. 

ACTION:

  • A new ASCIA IEI Clinical Care Standard has been drafted at the ASCIA PID/IEI resources working party meeting on 10th May 2024. The draft Standard will be be sent for wider review from late-May 2024 onwards.

Priority 2) ASCIA Working Parties will develop genetic testing and newborn screening (NBS) information to facilitate clinical implementation. (Goals 1, 2, 3, 8)

An ASCIA working party will further address issues for better access and funding of genetic testing and the implementation of the clinical aspects for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) newborn screening (NBS). Whilst SCID NBS laboratory testing is now available in all jurisdictions, each region has differences which need to be considered in a consistent approach for SCID NBS and genetic testing.

ACTIONS:

Priority 3) Education Program for Transition from Paediatric to Adult Care and advocacy for resourcing of improved transition services based on the Clinical Care Standard (Goal 4, 6)

It has been recognised that there are many aspects of transitioning from paediatric to adult services that should be improved for complex patients with IEI and their families  Programs addressing education and support for patients, families and service providers and advocacy for funding of appropriate supportive multidisclinary resources utilising the ASCIA Clinical Care Standard will help address this.

ACTION:

  • The new ASCIA IEI Clinical Care Standard will include a Quality Statement about transitioning from paediatric to adult medical services. 

Priority 4) Advocacy, including discussions regarding Chronic Disease Strategy, patient/carer support organisations, health economics, barriers to access and Indigenous Australian/Maori involving clinicians and patients. (Goals 4, 5, 8). Advocacy will be central to many of our goals. The ASCIA Clinical Care Standard will be important, as will be collaborations with patient/carer support organisations and potential utilisation of the Chronic Disease Strategy.

ACTIONS:

Priority 5) Research Initiatives, including an audit of access to testing/care and rejuvenation of ASCIA IEI Registry. (Goal 7)

An audit of access to testing and access to care was recommended, to better understand the inequities identified and the differences between access in public versus private heathcare systems.

Ways to rejuvenate the ASCIA IEI Registry are being considered, to optimise the entry of data, with recognition of the need for project officer support and the need to change from the existing waiver of consent to a formal consent process. An active ASCIA IEI Registry will allow documentation of numbers for advocacy and also allow expansion of research.

ACTIONS:

  • ASCIA will develop a governance structure and draft data fields for a new ASCIA IEI Registry.
  • ASCIA will survey members regarding access to care/testing after the Clinical Care Standard has been established.

Why was the ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy initiated?

The ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy for Australia and New Zealand was established to address the needs of patients and their families affected by immunodeficiency in a targeted collaborative way. The development of the Strategy was built on the experience from the successful implementation of the National Allergy Strategy.

The first ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy meeting was held on Friday 8 March 2019 and was attended by a wide range of stakeholders including clinicians, patient/carer organisations and researchers. Despite the disruptions of the COVID pandemic over the last three years, there has been significant progress in some of these areas, but there are still substantial issues that need to be addressed.

The ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy for Australia and New Zealand document was developed from 2019-2021 and launched in April 2022. The Strategy includes eight goals to address key issues, as listed below. 

ASCIA Immunodeficiency Strategy Goals

Goal 1: Enable early diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) by newborn screening

Goal 2: Enable early diagnosis of other PID/IEI disorders through recognition of early warning signs of PID/IEI disorders, appropriate testing and treatment.

Goal 3: Improve access to expert genetic diagnosis by using genomic and immune testing for patients with suspected or recently diagnosed PID/IEI disorders, or people with a family history of PID/IEI.

Goal 4: Ensure equitable access to specialist and multi-disciplinary care for patients with PID/IEI disorders, including those living in regional, rural and remote areas.

Goal 5: Ensure equitable access to treatments, that are appropriately supported and funded for patients with PID/IEI disorders.

Goal 6: Increase support for PID/IEI education and training for patients, carers and health professionals.

Goal 7: Increase support for multi-disciplinary clinical and laboratory PID/IEI research and collaborations.

Goal 8: Ensure that the priorities of Indigenous Australian and Maori populations are represented in PID/IEI diagnosis, care and research.

For more information about the Strategy visit https://nationalimmunodeficiencystrategy.org.au/

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New ASCIA Mast Cell Activation Disorders and Syndrome Position Paper

A new ASCIA Position Paper on the diagnosis and investigation of mast cell activation disorders and syndrome has been developed for health professionals.

Mast cell activation syndrome is a group of disorders with episodic symptoms due to mast cell mediator release. They involve multiple systems and can cause flushing, pruritus, wheeze and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory assessments, including testing for tryptase. Other laboratory tests are generally not used or available, due to their lack of sensitivity and specificity.

ASCIA Mastocytosis and other Mast Cell Disorders FAQ for patients and carers is also available.

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Quicklinks to QR codes on ASCIA patient/carer information webpages

In response to requests from ASCIA members, QR codes have been added to 15 landing pages on the ASCIA website to improve access and reduce the need for printing of ASCIA Information for patients and carers.

New ASCIA Quicklinks A4 documents include QR codes and are available at www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/quick-links

pdfASCIA PC QR Code Quicklinks1.71 M

This project has been completed as part of the National Allergy Council Shared Care for Allergy project.

ASCIA PC QR Code QuicklinksEach of the following webpages include a QR code directly below the instructions "Scan the QR codes below to view ASCIA information on a mobile phone:"

Allergy and anaphylaxis

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and sinusitis

Allergy prevention

Allergy and immunology testing

Allergy treatments

Asthma and allergy

Autoimmunity

Drug allergy

Food allergy

Food - other adverse reactions

Immunisation

Immunodeficiencies

Insect allergy (bites and stings)

Other allergies

Skin 

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AIFA 2024 Research Grant Round Open - EOIs due 14 May 2024

The Allergy and Immunology Foundation of Australia (AIFA) 2024 grant round is now open and Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are invited from ASCIA members for AIFA research grants. EOIs are due by midnight on 14 May 2024 and the application form is on the AIFA website www.allergyimmunology.org.au/grants 

This year a total of $110,000 will be awarded, comprised of 8 grants that are listed below.

Allergy and Immunology Research
$40,000 AIFA Early Career and New Researcher Grants (4 x $10,000 available)
These grants encourage new research projects which do not yet have major funding. It is important that Early Career and New Researchers are supported to establish track records that will increase their chance of securing future research funding. These include early career scientist researchers, emerging clinician researchers (such as advanced allergy/immunology trainees), and other health professionals (such as dietitians, nurses, pharmacists).

Food Allergy Research Grants
$20,000 AIFA Prof Ann Kupa Food Allergy Grant
$15,000 AIFA DBV Technologies Food Allergy Grant

New AIFA Viatris Grant for Nurses
$20,000 AIFA Viatris Nurse Researcher of the Year
We are delighted to announce this new grant, which will be awarded to a late-stage nurse researcher to facilitate presentation of their completed, or soon to be completed, research at an appropriate international or national conference of their choosing.

Primary Immunodeficiency Research Grant
$15,000 AIFA CSL Behring HAE Clinical Research Grant

AIFA grants awarded in 2024 will be announced in September at the ASCIA 2024 Conference in Adelaide.

Thank you to new and long term supporters of AIFA research grants. Your generous support has contributed to the progress of clinical allergy and immunology research in Australia and New Zealand.

By 2026 AIFA aims to award a cumulative total of $1 million in research grants, selected by experts, for clinically important research into allergy and other immune diseases. Help us achieve this goal by donating at www.allergyimmunology.org.au/donate 

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ASCIA Annual Conference and AIFA Research Grant Sponsorship

Planning is now well underway for the ASCIA 2024 Conference which will provide an international standard of CPD for ASCIA members and other health professionals working in allergy and clinical immunology. It will also provide an opportunity for important in-person interactions. The updated ASCIA 2024 Conference Sponsorship Prospectus includes an exhibition floorplan and. sponsorship needs to be confirmed by 30 June 2024, to enable allocation of exhibtiion stand locations by mid July 2024.

A new AIFA Research Grant Sponsorship Prospectus outlines opportunities for supporting research. AIFA is the only charity in Australia and New Zealand that specifically funds allergy and immunology research, and is backed by ASCIA. This means that 100% of donations and sponsorship directly fund AIFA research grants. Opportunities for donors and sponsors include named grants that are listed on the AIFA website and acknowledged at ASCIA Annual Conferences when AIFA grant recipients are announced and research is presented. Sponsorship for 2024 AIFA grants needs to be confirmed by mid March 2024, before the grant round opens.

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Recent National Allergy Council Updates

Recent National Allergy Council Updates include:

Information about National Allergy Council projects is available at https://nationalallergycouncil.org.au/

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Latest Versions of ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis - February 2024 Update

Current ASCIA Action Plans are the 2023 versions. However, prior versions (2022 and 2021) are still valid for use in 2024. It is expected that it will take around 6-12 months to phase in the use of the new 2023 plans.

The plans are available open access on the ASCIA website:

ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training courses were updated in mid 2023 to include the 2023 versions of the plans:

ASCIA developed new 2023 versions of ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis, to improve ease of use. This is the first major formatting change in 20 years, since ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis were first introduced in 2003. 

Whilst the signs of, and actions for anaphylaxis are unchanged, other updates have been made to improve ease of use:

  1. Patient specific details are all completed in the top section.* 
  2. Signs of, and actions for mild to moderate allergic reactions are in two easy to follow lists. 
  3. Wording about allergen exposure is included in the asthma section at the end of the plan.
  4. Instructions for adrenaline injectors are colour coded.
  5. Instructions for both adrenaline injectors are included in the General version of the plan.
  6. Device specific versions of the plan for Anapen® and EpiPen® include changes 1-4 listed above and a QR code which links to short animated videos with adrenaline injector instructions.

* This formatting may also facilitate use with some EMR systems, subject to approval by ASCIA.  

The format of the following plans have also been updated to be consistent with the 2023 versions of the red ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis:

  • ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions (green)
  • ASCIA Action Plan for Drug (Medication) Allergy (dark green)
  • ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (orange)
  • ASCIA Travel Plan for People at Risk of Anaphylaxis (red) for use with the red ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis

 A summary of updates is available here.

pdfASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis 2023 - What's New431.38 KB

pdfASCIA Action Plan Allergic Reactions 2023 - What's New321.66 KB

pdfASCIA Action Plan Drug Allergy 2023 - What's New338.87 KB

pdfASCIA First Aid Plan Anaphylaxis 2023 - What's New415.79 KB 

pdfASCIA Travel Plan Anaphylaxis 2023 - What's New398.97 KB

All ASCIA Action, First Aid, Management, Transfer, Travel and Treatment Plans are available free of charge on the ASCIA website as PDFs that can be ompleted online,  download and print at https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/ascia-plans-action-and-treatment 

Health professionals can order hard copies (in full colour) of red ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis (General version - with instructions for Anapen and EpiPen), by submitting an order online using the HCP shop on the Anapen website - https://anapen.com.au/shop/. Password – arrotex. Alternatively, contact an Arrotex representative or contact Arrotex (distributor of Anapen in Australia) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 1800 761 964.

Health professionals can order hard copies (in full colour) of red ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis (EpiPen version), green ASCIA Action Plans for Allergic Reactions and orange ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (EpiPen version) by emailing Viatris Customer Service (distributor of EpiPen in Australia) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 1800 274 276.

For further information about ASCIA Action Plans and other anaphylaxis resources go to www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis

Recently updated Best Practice Guidelines for Schools and Early Childhood Education/Care Centres are available here: 

https://allergyaware.org.au/best-practice-guidelines-for-anaphylaxis-prevention-and-management

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PBAC Meeting March 2024 - ASCIA Submissions

ASCIA has lodged five submissions on 24 January 2024 in support of applications for new or updated Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings of products (listed below) that are relevant to allergy and immunology. These applications are on the agenda of the  March 2024 Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) meeting. 

The submissions can be accessed at https://www.allergy.org.au/ascia-submissions

AMINO ACID FORMULA SUPPLEMENTED WITH PREBIOTICS, PROBIOTICS AND LONG CHAIN POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS
Neocate® Syneo - Oral powder 400 g 
NUTRICIA AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED
Clinical indications:
Cows' milk protein enteropathy
Severe cows' milk protein enteropathy with failure to thrive
Combined intolerance to cows' milk protein, soy protein and protein hydrolysate formulae
Proven combined immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated allergy to cows' milk protein and soy protein
Cows' milk anaphylaxis
Severe intestinal malabsorption including short bowel syndrome
Eosinophilic oesophagitis To request Neocate® Syneo with new formulation continue to be listed on the PBS under the existing conditions.
Purpose of submission: To request Neocate® Syneo with new formulation continue to be listed on the PBS under the existing conditions
 
ANIFROLUMAB
Saphnelo® - Solution concentrate for I.V. infusion 300 mg in 2 mL vial
ASTRAZENECA PTY LTD
Clinical indication: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Purpose of submission: Resubmission to request a Section 100 (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Authority Required (Written) PBS listing for the treatment of severe SLE with a high level of disease activity despite standard therapy.
 
AVACOPAN
Tavneos® Capsule 10 mg
SEQIRUS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
Clinical Indication: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) Resubmission to request a General Schedule Authority Required (STREAMLINED) listing for treatment of severe active granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and severe active microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) in combination with rituximab or cyclophosphamide.
Purpose of submission: New PBS listing
 
DUPILUMAB
Dupixent® - Injection 200 mg in 1.14 mL pre-filled syringe, Injection 300 mg in 2 mL pre-filled syringe
SANOFI-AVENTIS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Clinical indication: Asthma
Purpose of submission: To request a Section 100 (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Authority Required (Written) PBS listing for the treatment of uncontrolled severe asthma in patients aged 6 to 11 years.
 
MEPOLIZUMAB
Nucala® - Powder for injection 100 mg, Injection 100 mg in 1 mL single dose pre-filled pen
GLAXOSMITHKLINE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Clinical indication: Uncontrolled severe asthma
Purpose of submission: To request a change to the restriction level of the existing PBS listings for initial treatment from Authority Required (Written) to Authority Required (Telephone/Online), and for continuing treatment from Authority Required (Written) to Authority Required (STREAMLINED) for the treatment of uncontrolled severe asthma.
The submission also requested a change to the current requirement for treating with oral corticosteroids as part of optimised asthma therapy for the initial treatment of uncontrolled severe asthma.
 
 
 

How to provide input

Feedback is due by 31 January 2024 for the March 2024 PBAC meeting agenda: 

https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/industry/listing/elements/pbac-meetings/agenda/march-2024-pbac-meeting

The PBAC welcomes input from patients, carers, health professionals, consumer groups or organisations and members of the public on medicines submitted for PBAC consideration. The PBAC considers these public consultation inputs when considering the clinical and economic evidence presented by the applicant.

  • Input can be submitted via the online survey.  A copy of the questions asked in the survey and additional guidance can be downloaded below under ‘Related’ to assist your preparation.
  • There is the option to upload a file with your submission. The preferred file types are PDF or Microsoft Word, however other file types will be accepted, provided they are no larger than 25mb. If your file is too large, or you wish to upload more than one file, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • You can save and come back at any time to your response before the consultation close date.
  • Once you have submitted, a copy of your submission will be emailed to the contact email address provided.
 
 

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