FDA OKs first hay fever allergy immunotherapy tablet

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has approved the first tablet for gradually reducing hay fever allergy
symptoms, an alternative to uncomfortable allergy-desensitizing shots.
Oralair,
a tablet that dissolves quickly under the tongue, is approved for
patients aged 10 through 65. It’s to be taken daily starting four months
before grass pollen season to reduce allergic reactions to five grass
types.
In patient testing, it reduced symptoms and need for
medications by up to 30 percent, compared with dummy pills. Common side
effects include throat irritation, mouth swelling and the possibility of
severe allergic reactions.
Oralair is made by France’s Stallergenes SA.
Meanwhile,
drugmaker Merck & Co. of Whitehouse Station, N.J., expects an FDA
ruling by midyear on two immunotherapy tablets, one for ragweed and one
for grass pollen allergies.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has approved the first tablet for gradually reducing hay fever allergy
symptoms, an alternative to uncomfortable allergy-desensitizing shots.
Oralair,
a tablet that dissolves quickly under the tongue, is approved for
patients aged 10 through 65. It’s to be taken daily starting four months
before grass pollen season to reduce allergic reactions to five grass
types.
In patient testing, it reduced symptoms and need for
medications by up to 30 percent, compared with dummy pills. Common side
effects include throat irritation, mouth swelling and the possibility of
severe allergic reactions.
Oralair is made by France’s Stallergenes SA.
Meanwhile,
drugmaker Merck & Co. of Whitehouse Station, N.J., expects an FDA
ruling by midyear on two immunotherapy tablets, one for ragweed and one
for grass pollen allergies.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.

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