Sustained effects of grass pollen AIT

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Grass pollen allergy affects many adults, often inadequately controlled by standard medications.
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers a potential long-term treatment option for allergic rhinitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sustained efficacy and safety of Grazax® (Phleum pratense) grass allergy immunotherapy tablet.
• To assess clinical and immunological outcomes for two years post-treatment.

Main Methods:

• A 5-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial.
• Involved adults with moderate-to-severe grass pollen allergy.
• Follow-up for 2 years after 3 years of active treatment or placebo.

Main Results:

• A 31% reduction in median rhinoconjunctivitis symptom scores in the active group compared to placebo.
• A 33% reduction in combined symptom and medication scores.
• Sustained clinical efficacy and immunological tolerance (increased IgG4, IgE-blocking factor) for at least 2 years post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Grazax® provides sustained clinical efficacy for grass pollen allergy up to two years after treatment cessation.
• The grass allergy immunotherapy tablet demonstrates long-term immunological tolerance.
• No safety issues were identified during the extended follow-up period.