FARE and Alpha-gal Alliance Announce New Collaboration to Improve Understanding and Build Public Awareness of Alpha-gal Syndrome

McLEAN, Va.—Feb. 27, 2026—FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) and Alpha-gal Alliance today announced a new collaboration to improve public and clinical understanding of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a growing and under-recognized IgE-mediated food allergy that begins with a tick bite. The collaboration brings together FARE’s national reach with Alpha-gal Alliance’s deep expertise and connection to the AGS patient community to increase visibility, improve education, and support those living with this condition. 

This collaboration comes at a critical time, as legislation is considered to recognize alpha-gal as the nation’s tenth major allergen. It is estimated that as many as 450,000 people in the U.S. live with alpha-gal syndrome, but because reactions differ from more typical food allergy reactions and symptoms often appear 2-6 hours after exposure, alpha-gal is frequently misdiagnosed. 

“Individuals living with alpha-gal syndrome are an important part of the FARE community, and they deserve the visibility and support needed to navigate this complex disease,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “Because alpha-gal syndrome can look so different from other food allergies, many patients spend years searching for answers. Working with the Alpha-gal Alliance strengthens our ability to elevate patient experiences and ensure that education, research, and advocacy reflect the true nature and impact of this condition.” 

Alpha-gal syndrome is caused when a carbohydrate known as galactose-α-1,3-galactose, commonly referred to as alpha-gal, is introduced into the body through the saliva of a tick, initiating an immune response. Alpha-gal syndrome is frequently described as a “red meat allergy” even though that label does not reflect the full condition.

“Growing awareness of alpha-gal syndrome has brought misconceptions including descriptions of AGS as a ‘red meat allergy,’ that limit patient access to support and research funding,” said Sharon Forsyth, founder of Alpha-gal Alliance. “But alpha-gal syndrome is broader, more complex, and far more disruptive than most people understand. Collaborating with FARE will help raise understanding of AGS and move this community closer to the resources it urgently needs.”

To kick off this collaboration, the two organizations are releasing a co-produced “Myths and Facts” guide available for download here and launching a series of coordinated social media posts aimed at improving public understanding of alpha-gal syndrome, its symptoms and its impact on daily life.  

For more information, visit FARE here or visit the Alpha-gal Alliance here.