Genentech, Novartis, and FARE Partner for Food Allergy Educational Campaign

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Genentech and Novartis are teaming up with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to launch an educational campaign about food allergies.¹ The campaign is inspired by the results of a recent survey that reveals that caregivers and people with food allergies believe that there is not enough awareness in communities, which can result in the people suffering from these allergies experiencing a lack of feeling safe and social exclusion.

In a press release, FARE CEO Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, said, “There is a fundamental misunderstanding of the impact of food allergy as a disease, fueled by a lack of public awareness that FARE is dedicated to addressing, ultimately shifting the trajectory of this growing, silent public health crisis. To that end, we are pleased to announce our relationship with Genentech and Novartis as part of a broad educational initiative to advance our mission to support patients along their journey and achieve the increased awareness our community urgently needs—because patients cannot wait.”

In the same press release Genentech’s CEO Ashley Magargee also said, “While food allergies are common, there remains a significant lack of public awareness and understanding of the seriousness, unpredictability, and emotional toll of accidental exposures. FARE is a trailblazer in the food allergy community, and we are excited to partner with them on a broad public awareness initiative with the goal of creating a future where people with food allergies are better understood, protected, and empowered.”

Reshema Kemps-Polanco, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Novartis added, “It is clear the community still has significant unmet needs when it comes to relieving some of the emotional and physical challenges of this disease. This is a pivotal moment for the community as we work to increase awareness and offer hope to those living with food allergies, but there is still so much more we can achieve together.”

This is just FARE’s latest initiative. Earlier in February, the organization announced a partnership with football player Jason McCourty and his daughter Kai to create a PSA that raises awareness for how humor can impact patients, caregivers, and their families.²

In a press release issued at the time, Poblete said, “We are breaking through the barriers that often keep nonprofit organizations out of major advertising campaigns during events like the Big Game. We are raising public awareness of food allergy as a serious disease, using humor and creativity to spotlight an important issue while respecting the challenges faced by individuals and families every day. This PSA is proof that humor and advocacy can coexist without diminishing the experiences of patients, caregivers, and families.”

Sources

1. FARE Teams Up with Genentech and Novartis to Launch Food Allergy Educational Initiative. FARE. February 19, 2025. https://www.foodallergy.org/media-room/fare-teams-genentech-and-novartis-launch-food-allergy-educational-initiative
2. Football’s Jason McCourty and Daughter Kai, Team Up with FARE to Raise Food Allergy Awareness in a New Public Service Announcement. FARE. February 4, 2025. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.foodallergy.org/media-room/footballs-jason-mccourty-and-daughter-kai-team-fare-raise-food-allergy-awareness-new