As 2026 begins, Dr. Sung Poblete, CEO of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), addressed the organization's community with a message focusing on ongoing scientific challenges in food allergy research and the importance of collaboration.
Dr. Poblete highlighted a key question for researchers: "Why does the immune system attack itself, and how can we stop it?" She referenced the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their work related to this issue. Dr. Poblete noted that Sakaguchi emphasized communication among scientists during his remarks to students in Stockholm.
She described FARE's first Mind Meld Innovation Summit as an example of fostering such dialogue: "We convened the world’s leading immunologists, opened doors, and got scientists talking across disciplines." The summit included participation from Nobel laureate Dr. Phillip A. Sharp and members of FARE’s Scientific Advisory Council.
Dr. Poblete explained her commitment to collaborative approaches in research, citing her previous experience funding cancer research that led to multiple FDA-approved therapies and supported thousands of clinical trial patients. She stated: "With aligned funding, FARE can shorten the timelines for treating food allergy, another disease that reflects the complexities of the immune system."
The organization remains focused on advancing research into food allergies, improving diagnostics and treatments, promoting prevention strategies, and ultimately seeking a cure. According to Dr. Poblete: "FARE is focused on food allergy research, prevention, better diagnostics, expanded treatments, and finding a cure."
Dr. Poblete also shared her personal connection as someone living with a food allergy: "I feel this intensely because I am a food allergy patient." She emphasized FARE’s dedication to supporting patients through education programs and advocacy efforts aimed at raising public awareness about managing allergies and responding to anaphylaxis.
In closing her message to supporters and those affected by food allergies alike, Dr. Poblete said: "You are at the center of what makes the food allergy community unstoppable... Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!"
