UDAY & New Guidelines: Empowering Patients Worldwide

In this episode, Prof. Torsten Zuberbier (Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network President) welcomes Prof. Petra Staubach, urticaria expert from Germany, to talk about Urticaria Day (UDAY) — held each year on October 1st — and why awareness is just as important as science.

They discuss: 🔹 Why do we need a dedicated awareness day for urticaria? 🔹 What is the true burden of urticaria on patients and families? 🔹 How can physicians and patients improve communication and advocacy? 🔹 What do the new 2025 urticaria guidelines mean for treatment worldwide?

Together, they highlight the unmet needs of urticaria patients, the role of patient organizations, and the importance of empowering patients to speak openly about their burden. The discussion also previews the new treatment options in the 2025 guideline, including biosimilars of omalizumab, dupilumab, and remibrutinib. Join us for this inspiring episode on why urticaria is a serious disease that deserves global awareness — and how new therapies and guidelines are changing the future.

Key Learnings from the Episode: Urticaria Day (UDAY) has been celebrated since 2014 to raise global awareness about the seriousness of urticaria. Despite perceptions of being “just hives,” urticaria causes major quality-of-life impairment: sleep disruption, depression, social isolation, and stigma. 84% of patients feel embarrassed to be seen with wheals or angioedema. Urticaria affects people of all ages, from children to the elderly, with equal burden. Physicians often underestimate disease control compared to patient perception, creating a communication gap. Patient honesty and empowerment are crucial: patients should describe the real impact of disease to their doctors. Patient organizations help bridge gaps, provide support, and increase awareness globally — but many countries still lack them. The 2025 urticaria guideline will emphasize: Early up-dosing of antihistamines (don’t wait months if ineffective). Omalizumab remains the global standard, now also with biosimilars. Dupilumab (already used in asthma/atopic dermatitis) and Remibrutinib (oral BTK inhibitor) enter the treatment landscape. Flexibility: co-administration with cyclosporine, consideration of costs, and tailoring to patient burden. The key message: Stay flexible, treat early, and adapt care to the patient’s real needs. Awareness & advocacy matter: urticaria’s burden is as high as ischemic heart disease — it must be taken seriously by society and healthcare systems.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Urticaria Awareness 02:32 The Importance of Urticaria Day 05:16 Understanding the Burden of Urticaria 07:58 Communication Between Patients and Physicians 10:59 Future Treatment Options for Urticaria 14:05 Conclusion and Call to Action

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