Vaccine May Relieve Seasonal Allergies -Study

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Tuesday December 18 5:54 PM ET

Vaccine May Relieve Seasonal Allergies -Study

By Suzanne Rostler

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Results of a new study may provide hope to some

of the millions who endure the itchy eyes, runny nose and incessant sneezing

associated with seasonal allergies.

According to the report, an experimental vaccine can block allergy-causing

compounds released in response to a trigger such as pollen, from causing a

range of uncomfortable symptoms. In the US, the costs associated with these

symptoms are estimated at $6 billion a year.

The vaccine, known as omalizumab, is a monoclonal antibody--a

laboratory-manufactured molecule--that binds to IgE, a natural antibody

found in blood that is key in setting off seasonal nasal allergies.

In a study of more than 500 patients from across the US, the vaccine

inhibited IgE and reduced itchy, runny or stuffy nose, watery or red eyes,

and sneezing during ragweed season, compared with an inactive compound

(placebo).

As a result, allergy sufferers used fewer antihistamines to control their

symptoms, missed fewer days of work or school, and were better able to get

through their daily activities, report researchers in the December 19th

issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (news - web sites).

The drug's effects on quality of life rose in tandem with the dose, they

note.

``(This is the) first demonstration that lowing IgE, the major antibody

responsible for allergic reactions, is associated with a dose-related

improvement in symptoms, use of rescue medications, and quality of life,''

Dr. Tomas B. Casale, from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, told

Reuters Health.

He said that while the study included only patients with allergies to

ragweed, the findings should apply to individuals with other allergies.

``Reducing IgE would make one less likely to respond to an allergen no

matter what it is,'' explained Casale, the study's lead author.

But before omalizumab becomes available at the doctor's office, more

research will be needed into possible short- and long-term side effects,

costs, and its effects compared with those of currently-available therapies,

notes Dr. Marshall Plaut of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Diseases (news - web sites) in Bethesda, land.

Nonetheless, the vaccine is the first of several new, immune-system

targeting agents that ``may change the face of allergy and asthma therapy,''

he writes in an accompanying editorial.

The study included 536 people ages 12 to 75 with a history of hay fever

brought on by ragweed, one of the more common causes of allergies in the US.

Patients received omalizumab injections at various doses or a placebo three

or four times over 12 weeks. Treatment started just prior to ragweed season.

Several researchers on the study have received funding from or work for

Novartis Pharmaceuticals or Genetech Inc., which are collaborating on

developing omalizumab. The companies funded the study.

SOURCE: Journal of the American Medical Association 2001;286:2956-2967.