Merck, Stallergenes work on drugs for nonfood allergies
Sublingual immunotherapy — via a simple tablet or droplets placed under the tongue — could solve the hassle factor and reduce the safety problem, though immunotherapy of any kind remains a long way from acceptance in treating food allergies.Two companies, Merck and Stallergenes, recently completed U.S. clinical trials of sublingual tablets.
In March, Merck announced trial results for a hay fever tablet that is marketed in Europe as Grazax. Researchers treated 345 children and teens with either Grazax or a placebo. Those on the treatment required significantly fewer allergy medications and reported significantly fewer symptoms than those in the placebo group.
Merck plans to file for Food and Drug Administration approval of Grazax late this year or in early 2011. The company is also working on sublingual treatments for ragweed and dust mite allergies.
In April, Stallergenes announced the results from a U.S. trial of its grass allergy tablet, Oralair. Researchers studied 473 adults with hay fever, giving some Oralair and some a placebo. Those who took Oralair had significantly fewer symptoms and needed fewer symptom-reducing drugs. Stallergenes also plans to file for FDA approval.
Source: LA Times
