World Eosinophilic Esophagitis Day: Shining a Spotlight on EoE and Hope for the Future – ( $EPRX )

May 22, 2025 marks a milestone for patients, families, and clinicians worldwide: the inaugural World Eosinophilic Esophagitis Day (#EoEDay). This global event, spearheaded by the EoE Day Alliance—a coalition of patient organizations from around the world—aims to raise awareness, foster understanding, and advocate for better care for those living with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).

What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?

EoE is a chronic, immune-mediated disease in which eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) accumulate in the esophagus, leading to inflammation, pain, and difficulty swallowing. Left undiagnosed or untreated, EoE can significantly impact quality of life, causing years of discomfort and dietary restrictions. Despite its increasing prevalence, EoE is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, resulting in delayed treatment for many patients. Research undertaken by Clearview Partners estimates prevalence rate of EoE in the US in 2023 was 135 per 100,000, giving an estimated prevalence of 451,000 EoE patients. Impacts from both symptoms and interventions frequently lead to mental health issues, compounding the disease burden of EoE for both the health care system and the individual.

Why World EoE Day Matters

World EoE Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a rallying cry for global awareness and action. The campaign’s mission is to:

• Raise public and healthcare provider awareness of EoE symptoms.

• Encourage earlier diagnosis and consultation.

• Advocate for improved care, research, and treatment options.

As Mary Jo Strobel, Executive Director of APFED, notes, “Too many patients endure years of symptoms before receiving answers. By increasing understanding… we can reduce delays in recognition and diagnostics, improve outcomes, and enhance the quality of life for those affected by this chronic condition.”

The EoE Day Alliance: A Global Effort

The EoE Day Alliance brings together organizations from the United States, Europe, Australia, and beyond, including APFED, ausEE Inc., FAACT, GAAPP, and others, united in their commitment to supporting EoE patients and families. Resources and materials are being developed in multiple languages to ensure everyone, everywhere, can join the movement.

Innovation in EoE Treatment: Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals’ Program

On the research front, hope is on the horizon. Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: EPRX) is making headlines with its innovative approach to EoE treatment. The company’s EP-104GI, currently being evaluated in the RESOLVE Phase 1b/2a clinical trial, is designed to deliver medication directly into the esophageal wall using proprietary DiffuSphere™ technology.

What Makes EP-104GI Unique?

• Targeted Delivery: EP-104GI is administered as an injection into the esophageal wall, providing localized drug delivery and minimizing systemic side effects.

• Sustained Results: Recent data show that patients receiving EP-104GI experienced sustained or even improved treatment outcomes nine months after a single dose—a first for injectable therapies in EoE.

• Favorable Safety Profile: No serious adverse events or cases of oral or gastrointestinal candidiasis (a common side effect with steroids) have been reported to date in the trial’s first six cohorts.

• Potential for Disease Modification: The durability in symptom reduction and tissue health improvement suggests EP-104GI may have a tissue remodeling effect, offering hope for longer-term disease management.

As Dr. Evan S. Dellon, a leading EoE expert, commented, “The durability in symptom reduction coupled with the prolonged improvement in tissue health… suggest that EP-104GI could be exerting a tissue remodeling effect on the esophagus. Patients with EoE are in need of new treatment options with disease-modifying potential.”

Looking Forward

With the launch of World EoE Day and promising developments in treatment, the future looks brighter for those affected by EoE. The combination of increased awareness, global advocacy, and innovative therapies like Eupraxia’s EP-104GI brings hope that, one day, EoE will be not just better understood, but better managed—and perhaps, one day, even preventable.

So, on May 22, wear your awareness ribbon, share a fact about EoE, and join the global community in celebrating progress, supporting patients, and championing the search for a cure.

Happy World Eosinophilic Esophagitis Day!