Grass peptide immunotherapy cuts seasonal allergy symptoms

(HealthDay)—Immunotherapy with peptide hydrolysates from Lolium perenne (LPP) reduces seasonal allergy symptoms and is generally well tolerated, according to a study published online March 7 in Allergy.

Ralph Mösges, M.D., from the Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology in Cologne, Germany, and colleagues assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of a cumulative dose of 170 μg LPP administered subcutaneously over three weeks among 554 adults with grass pollen rhinoconjunctivitis. The participants were randomized in a 1:2 ratio to receive subcutaneous injections or placebo.

The researchers found that in the LPP group the mean reduction in combined symptom and medication score was significantly lower than the placebo group during the peak period (P = 0.041) and over the entire pollen season (P = 0.029). Compared to the placebo group, the LPP group had reduced reactivity to a conjunctival provocation test (P < 0.001) and, during the pollen season, a lower rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life global score (P = 0.005). In 10.5 percent of LPP-treated patients, mostly mild early systemic reactions (ESRs) were observed within 30 minutes. However, three patients with a medical history of asthma (<1 percent) experienced a serious ESR that resolved with rescue medication.

"LPP administered over three weeks before the grass pollen season significantly reduced seasonal symptoms, was generally safe and well tolerated," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to biopharmaceutical companies, including ASIT Biotech, which funded the study.