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Two SLIT extracts show promise in treating birch pollen allergy

Two sublingual immunotherapy extracts were effective and safe in treating adults with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis induced by birch pollen, according to recent study results.

Researchers conducted a prospective study of 74 adults with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis due to birch allergy with or without mild intermittent asthma at a single center in Wiesbaden, Germany. Patients were treated with SUBLIVAC FIX Birch (SUB-B; HAL Allergy) or Staloral Birch (Stal-B; Stallergenes) once daily for 16 to 20 weeks.

Difference in change of threshold dose of the titrated nasal provocation test between the cohorts at baseline and after completion treatment was used as primary efficacy outcome. Patients completed a diary regarding compliance with study medication, adverse events and concomitant medication use during the first 30 treatment days.

Post-baseline data were available on 36 patients (mean age, 44.5 years; 44.4% men) in the SUB-B treatment group and 35 patients (mean age, 45.1 years; 51.4% men) in the Stal-B cohort.

“Analysis of the primary efficacy parameter showed that the percentage of subjects showing a beneficial treatment effect was similar in both treatment groups, 33.3% for SUB-B vs. 31.4% for Stal-B in the intention to treat population,” the researchers reported.

SUB-B and Stal-B treatment brought similar increases of approximately two times in immunoglobulin E, IgG and IgG4 specific for Bet v 1, according to immunologic response evaluation.

Fifty-six (75.7%) patients experienced 143 treatment-related adverse events (SUB-B, n=79; Stal-B, n=64), with most being mild. Both treatments showed similar patterns of adverse events.

“No clinically relevant changes in other safety parameters, such as safety laboratory parameters, vital signs, physical examination and ECGs were observed,” the researchers reported.

“Treatment with SUB-B was demonstrated to be as effective as treatment with Stal-B by means of reduction in allergic symptoms during nasal provocation in subjects suffering from IgE mediated allergic complaints triggered by birch pollen,” the researchers concluded. “In addition, SLIT [sublingual immunotherapy] with both preparations revealed a good safety profile.”

Disclosure: See the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.