Study shows Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet (Merck) reduces Ragweed Allergy symptoms and medication use

Results from a Phase III clinical study of allergy immunotherapy tablet (AIT) for Ragweed pollen showed that the use of Ragweed AIT significantly reduced the total combined score that measured nasal and eye symptoms and use of rescue allergy medicines, compared to placebo, in Ragweed-Allergic adults with or without Asthma. The study was conducted during peak ragweed pollen season. This multicentre trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of two doses of ragweed AIT. The study involved 565 adults with Ragweed-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, with or without asthma. The majority of these patients (85 percent) were sensitive to multiple allergens. Patients were randomized to receive a once-daily tablet of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed) allergen extract at a dose of 6 Amb a 1-U or 12 Amb a 1-U or placebo for approximately 16 weeks prior to and throughout the ragweed pollen season, for a total treatment period of 52 weeks. During peak ragweed season, patients treated with ragweed AIT 12 Amb a 1-U or AIT 6 Amb a 1-U showed 27 percent and 21 percent reductions in total combined symptom score, respectively, relative to placebo. The most frequently reported treatment-related AEs were itchiness of the mouth and ear and throat irritation. These data were presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology meeting.