New research marks 25 years of Jack Jumper ant venom immunotherapy

Published

Monday, October 2, 2023 - 9:00 AM

Jack Jumper ant venom allergy is a uniquely Australian medical concern. In fact, the stinging ant is a leading cause of insect venom allergy in south-eastern Australia, affecting up to three per cent of the population.

If stung more than once, 70 per cent of people with Jack Jumper ant allergy will have another allergic reaction. This sensitivity to repeat stings appears to persist for many years.

A new publication led by Dr Troy Wanandy, NACE Insect Allergy Stream Co-chair, and published in the Internal Medicine Journal this week provides a 25-year synopsis of the development and use of an evidence-based treatment modality in Australia.

“An effective venom immunotherapy-based treatment was developed by the Tasmanian Jack Jumper Allergy Research Group in early 2000’s,” said Dr Wanandy, now head of the University of Tasmania Insect Venom and Drug Allergy Research Group and Quality and Manufacturing Lead of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Jack Jumper Allergy Program.

“Our synopsis is the first its kind and will provide a platform for further research on native insect venom allergy and effective treatments, including how this research knowledge could be used beyond Jack Jumper ant venom immunotherapy.”

Insect venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the injection, under the skin, of gradually increasing doses of purified venom to treat insect venom allergy. VIT starts with a tiny dose that is gradually increased. This process causes a change in how the immune system responds to the venom.

Dr Wanandy said, there was a high level of scientific evidence to show that VIT prevents severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect stings, with the aim of preventing morbidity and death.

“Our extensive experience has found it to be effective, well tolerated, safe when administered in appropriate settings and associated with an improvement in quality of life for patients,” he said.

To find out more, please see the ASCIA Position Statement - Jack Jumper Ant Venom Immunotherapy and Jack Jumper Ant Allergy.