Study on GM Rice to Cure Hay Fever Moves Forward

Researchers at the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) in Japan harvested 440 kilograms of genetically modified rice designed to alleviate hay fever.

The anti-allergy rice variety has been under development in Japan since 2000 and is now progressing toward clinical application. Researchers genetically engineered the existing Kitaake rice variety to produce the allergens found in pollen to combat hay fever associated with Japanese cedar pollen. Initial research showed promising results, with clinical trials suggesting a reduction in sneezing and a reduced need for medication. However, the project faced setbacks due to regulatory hurdles and limited clinical data.

Renewed interest has led to the approval of a new clinical study to further investigate this rice's therapeutic potential. The goal is to extract an active component from the rice and develop it into powder for more effective immunotherapy. While significant challenges remain, including the need for extensive clinical trials and ensuring a stable supply of the modified rice, researchers believe this innovative approach could revolutionize hay fever treatment and potentially pave the way for treating other allergies.

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