- Up to 3%–5% of the population may experience a serious allergic reaction in their lifetime1.
- Children without a known allergy account for 30% of school anaphylaxis cases2
- Emergency treatment must be administered within minutes in case of anaphylaxis1
- Viatris is supporting two major publications developed jointly by GA²LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network) and EFA (European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations) in advocating for unified, practical measures to protect
individuals at risk of serious allergic reactions1,4
Dublin, July 1 – Viatris in Ireland, part of the global healthcare company Viatris, joins World Allergy Week 2025 to call for urgent actions to improve protection against anaphylaxis— one of the fastest-growing and most serious public health threats linked to allergy1. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction triggered by ingestion or contact with allergens that can pose life-threatening risks. It manifests rapidly, often within minutes following exposure to allergens1,3. Examples of symptoms include itchy skin, rash, hives/welts, difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, swelling of the tongue, lips, throat or other parts of the body, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in heart rhythm or blood pressure, flushing, and feeling faint1
How common are serious allergic reactions1
Allergies are long-term conditions, and globally over 1 billion people are affected. Up to 3%–5% of the population may experience a serious allergic reaction in their lifetime. There may be over 5 million serious allergic reactions across the world each year and 25%–50% of people who experience a serious allergic reaction have one or more further episodes. Serious allergic reactions are not usually fatal, and statistics from the UK, USA, and Europe suggest that mortality due to allergic reactions is not increasing. However, there are an estimated 8,000 allergy-related fatalities worldwide each year.
“The science is clear: anaphylaxis must be treated rapidly, yet too many patients still lack access to an emergency treatment when they need it most. What we need now is political consistency: emergency treatment in case of anaphylaxis, should be immediately available in every public setting, in every school, without delay” said Professor Antonella Muraro, lead author of the Anaphylaxis Manifesto, Head Food Allergy Referral Centre, Padua University hospital, Past-President European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and GA2LEN Executive Committee Member
“Ensuring the availability of emergency treatment in public settings, including schools, is essential to protect all individuals at risk of severe allergic reactions,” added Marcia Podestà, co-author of the Manifesto and President of EFA. “This must be supported by school initiatives, educational campaigns, clear guidance on the use of emergency treatment devices (when and how to use them) and public policies that guarantee access and funding for life-saving care.
In response to these calls, Viatris is one of the contributors to two major publications developed jointly by GA²LEN and EFA, via an unrestricted educational grant to GA²LEN
The GA²LEN/EFA Anaphylaxis Manifesto1 urges communities to act on ten practical priorities aimed at improving the lives of individuals at risk of severe allergic reactions. These priorities span prevention, immediate response, long-term management, and the development of integrated care pathways.
“Serious allergic reactions can have a significant impact on physical and mental health and can be costly for families and governments,” said Antonella Muraro. “There are practical actions that all stakeholders can take or campaign for together, including prevention measures like public and professional awareness campaigns, school and workplace initiatives, and mandatory precautionary allergen labeling on food”. “Equally important” – continued Muraro – “is enhancing both immediate and long-term management by educating healthcare professionals, patients, and school staff on the timely and correct use of emergency treatment. This includes ensuring timely access to for all at-risk individuals”.
Muraro concluded, “Integrated care pathways must also incorporate both clinical and non-clinical approaches, including personalized risk assessments and quality of life evaluations. Organizations worldwide are now committing to collaborate in advancing these priorities.”
A complementary consensus statement6 on school-based allergy management advocates for standardized protocols, including comprehensive staff training, clear allergen labeling on school menus, robust emergency preparedness, and inclusive educational practices.
“Effectively preventing and managing food allergies in schools demands close collaboration among families, students, school staff, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities.” said Marcia Podestà. “GA²LEN and EFA have defined minimum standards that all countries should adopt to better support students with food allergies in educational settings,” “These recommendations are grounded in a thorough review of existing research, legislation, and input from over 100 patient and professional groups. They emphasize mandatory school staff training about what food allergy is, the symptoms of allergic reactions, what to do in an emergency, and when/how to use and store devices that laypeople can use to administer emergency treatment”. Podestà concluded “Coordinated national and international policy action is now essential to drive a meaningful change: we urge stakeholders at both national and international levels to adopt a unified, consistent approach, ensuring that all students can learn and thrive in a safer, more inclusive educational environment.”
As a partner to healthcare professionals, patient groups and institutions across Europe, Viatris is committed to turning these recommendations into real-world action. “At Viatris, we are committed to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. In the case of anaphylaxis, every second counts, making timely response a priority – said Enis Otuk, Country Manager – Ireland. That’s why we are actively partnering with healthcare professionals, patient organizations, EU institutions, and national regulators to advocate for stronger education, more effective prevention strategies, and harmonized public policies that expand access to life-saving treatment.”
1 Muraro A, de Silva D, Podesta M,et al. 10 practical priorities to prevent and manage serious allergic reactions: GA2LEN ANACare and EFA Anaphylaxis Manifesto. Clin Transl Allergy. 2024;e70009. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/clt2.70009
2 Santos MJL, Merrill KA, Gerdts JD, Ben-Shoshan M, Protudjer JLP. Food Allergy Education and Management in Schools: A Scoping Review on Current Practices and Gaps. Nutrients. 2022; 14(4):732.
3 Dribin T , Muraro A et al Anaphylaxis definition, overview, and clinical support tool: 2024 consensus report-a GA(2)LEN project.
Dribin TE, Muraro A, Camargo CA Jr, Turner PJ, Wang J, Roberts G, Anagnostou A, Halken S, Liebermann J, Worm M, Zuberbier T, Sampson HA; GA(2)LEN Anaphylaxis Study Team.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2025 Jan 27:S0091-6749(25)00072-7 10.1016/j.jaci.2025.01.021. Online
4 Deschildre A, Alvaro‐Lozano M, Muraro A, et al. Towards a common approach for managing food allergy and serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) at school. GA2LEN and EFA consensus statement. Clin Transl Allergy. 2024;
About Viatris
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life’s moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases. With our exceptionally extensive and diverse portfolio of medicines, a one-of-a-kind global supply chain designed to reach more people when and where they need them, and the scientific expertise to address some of the world’s most enduring health challenges, access takes on deep meaning at Viatris. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
