Efficacy and safety of the SQ-standardized grass allergy immunotherapy tablet in mono- and polysensitized subjects

Allergy. 2013 Feb;68(2):252-5. doi: 10.1111/all.12074. Epub 2012 Dec 4.

Abstract

The efficacy of single-allergen-specific immunotherapy in polysensitized subjects is a matter of debate. We therefore performed a post hoc analysis of pooled data from six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (N = 1871) comparing the efficacy and safety of the SQ-standardized grass allergy immunotherapy tablet (AIT), Grazax (Phleum pratense 75 000 SQ-T/2800 BAU, ALK, Denmark), in mono- and polysensitized subjects. A statistically significant reduction in the mean total combined symptom/medication score (TCS) of 27% was demonstrated in actively treated subjects compared with placebo (P < 0.0001). This was not dependent on sensitization status (P = 0.5772), suggesting a similar treatment effect in mono- and polysensitized subjects (i.e. reductions of the TCSs of 28% and 26%, respectively, both P < 0.0001). Finally, a comparable and favourable safety profile of grass AIT was demonstrated in the two subgroups. Thus, no difference in efficacy and safety of single-allergen grass AIT was observed between mono- and polysensitized subjects.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Sublingual
  • Adult
  • Antigens, Plant / immunology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Desensitization, Immunologic / methods*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Safety
  • Phytotherapy / methods
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Poaceae / immunology*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / drug therapy*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / physiopathology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tablets / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antigens, Plant
  • Grazax
  • Plant Extracts
  • Tablets