Sneezing, watery eyes and a blocked nose are among the most common symptoms reported by patients with severe hay fever. One year after treatment with Grazax, these symptoms remained reduced by 31% (sneezing), 60% (watery eyes) and 51% (blocked nose) compared with patients who received symptomatic medications alone [1]. Furthermore, the need for symptomatic medications remained significantly reduced in the one year follow-up (p<0.02) [1].

The Grazax GT08 study was an international randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study. Patients were randomized to receive three years of either Grazax or placebo, followed by a two year treatment-free follow up period. Throughout the study, all patients had free access to symptomatic medications, such as antihistamines and nasal sprays.

Professor Stephen R. Durham, principal investigator, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London and President of the BSACI states: ‘These results represent a significant benefit for sufferers of grass pollen rhinoconjunctivitis or moderate to severe “hay fever”… Allergy services in the UK are woefully inadequate, with little action despite four Government reports calling for improved services. Hay fever in particular is a significantly under-treated and under-recognised disease yet it affects 1 in 4 of the UK adult population. A major overhaul of services needs to take place to improve allergy care in the UK and in turn improve the health outcomes of our patients’.

References

1 Durham, S. et al. Sustained, disease-modifying effect of grass allergen tablet immunotherapy 1 year after completion of treatment. XXVIII Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology; poster # 333