FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) and Alpha-gal Alliance have announced a partnership to improve awareness and understanding of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an IgE-mediated food allergy that is triggered by tick bites. The collaboration aims to combine FARE’s national influence with Alpha-gal Alliance’s expertise and patient connections to raise visibility, enhance education, and support those affected by AGS.
This initiative comes as lawmakers consider whether to recognize alpha-gal as the nation’s tenth major allergen. Estimates suggest that up to 450,000 people in the United States may be living with AGS. However, because symptoms often differ from typical food allergies and can appear several hours after exposure, many cases are misdiagnosed.
“Individuals living with alpha-gal syndrome are an important part of the FARE community, and they deserve the visibility and support needed to navigate this complex disease,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “Because alpha-gal syndrome can look so different from other food allergies, many patients spend years searching for answers. Working with the Alpha-gal Alliance strengthens our ability to elevate patient experiences and ensure that education, research, and advocacy reflect the true nature and impact of this condition.”
Alpha-gal syndrome occurs when a carbohydrate called galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) enters the body through tick saliva, causing an immune response. While often described as a “red meat allergy,” experts note that this term does not fully capture the complexity of AGS.
“Growing awareness of alpha-gal syndrome has brought misconceptions including descriptions of AGS as a ‘red meat allergy,’ that limit patient access to support and research funding,” said Sharon Forsyth, founder of Alpha-gal Alliance. “But alpha-gal syndrome is broader, more complex, and far more disruptive than most people understand. Collaborating with FARE will help raise understanding of AGS and move this community closer to the resources it urgently needs.”
As part of their joint effort, FARE and Alpha-gal Alliance have released a downloadable “Myths and Facts” guide about AGS and will launch coordinated social media campaigns aimed at educating the public about its symptoms and effects on daily life.
For additional information about these initiatives or about alpha-gal syndrome in general, visit FARE or Alpha-gal Alliance online.
