Several new hay-fever products are in the development pipeline. The drug has been tested in four large trials, the company says. Developers are also investigating leukotrienes, chemicals that control nose symptoms. These have been used in asthma treatment, and may also have applications for hay fever. If we can block production of leukotrienes, we have another way to block symptoms.
Histamine is the substance that causes such symptoms as watery eyes and itchy nose.
A clinical trial involving 500 patients that ended in 1998, and another in Sweden that concluded in 1999, both showed excellent results, Johnson says. Participants who took the anti-IgE treatment used less antihistamines than members of a control group who didn't. The anti-IgE treatment also acts more quickly than traditional allergy shots. But it's not yet available. Results of trials of the treatment will be submitted to the FDA later this year.