Division of UCB Pharma S.A., The UCB Institute of Allergy (IOA) is an independent and non-profit organization, created in 1987 to help doctors, scientists and patients all around the world in their fight for combating allergy.

In response to the worldwide allergy epidemic, the major objective of the Institute is to employ all the necessary resources for raising the awareness on allergy as a major health issue, amongst the general public, patients, healthcare professionals and public authorities.

Under the supervision of a Scientific Advisory Board made up of eminent European specialists in the field of allergy, IOA has initiated many actions. These aim to inform and educate about allergy, to improve allergy prevention, to promote research, to analyze the current situation and to define key actions to be taken over the coming years. Moreover IOA favors cooperation between various allergy related organizations. The Institute is present all around Europe with more than 20 national sections and in South Africa.

The Institute’s web site and central membership library provide members with current relevant information, publications and educational materials about allergy. For the information and education of the general public, children, their parents, school teachers and caregivers, IOA has produced books and brochures, videos, educational games and other information materials. For the promotion of the allergy knowledge within the health care professionals and scientists and stimulation of new developments in allergy, IOA also organizes and holds meetings, symposia, conferences, workshops. 

As a result of these activities, The UCB Institute of Allergy hopes to forestall the sobering prediction of certain epidemiologists: In 30 years’ time, everyone may be allergic... Unless we act now!