A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with mannan-conjugated birch pollen allergoids

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Ralph Mösges - , ClinCompetence Cologne GmbH, University of Cologne (Author)
  • Christoph Zeyen - , University of Cologne, Humboldt University of Berlin (Author)
  • Esther Raskopf - , ClinCompetence Cologne GmbH (Author)
  • Cengizhan Acikel - , ClinCompetence Cologne GmbH (Author)
  • Hacer Sahin - , ClinCompetence Cologne GmbH (Author)
  • Silke Allekotte - , ClinCompetence Cologne GmbH (Author)
  • Mandy Cuevas - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Author)
  • Mohamed H. Shamji - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • José Luis Subiza - , Inmunotek SL (Author)
  • Miguel Casanovas - , Inmunotek SL (Author)

Abstract

Background: There is still great need to develop new strategies to improve the efficacy of allergen immunotherapies with optimal safety standards for patients. A new promising approach is to couple allergoids to mannan. The objective of this phase IIa/IIb study was to identify the optimal dose of mannan-conjugated birch pollen allergoids for the short-course treatment of birch pollen–induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Methods: For this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study, 246 birch pollen–allergic adults received 0.5 mL placebo or 1000, 3000 or 10,000 mTU/mL of mannan-conjugated birch pollen allergoids at five pre-seasonal visits. Efficacy was assessed by comparing allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and use of anti-allergic medication during the peak of the birch pollen season 2020. Immunologic, tolerability and safety effects were also analysed. Results: The highest dose of mannan-conjugated birch pollen allergoids reduced the combined symptom and medication score during the peak birch pollen season by a median of 24.7% compared to placebo. The production of Bet v 1 specific IgG4 significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner (3.6- and 4.5-fold) in the 3000 and 10,000 mTU/mL groups. The Bet v 1 specific IgE/IgG4 ratio was also strongly reduced (up to −70%). No fatalities nor serious adverse events were reported, and no adrenaline was used. In total, four systemic reactions occurred (two grade I and two grade II). Conclusion: All doses of mannan-conjugated birch pollen allergoids can be considered as safe. Since the application of 10,000 mTU/mL resulted in the highest efficacy, this dose qualifies for further investigation.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)990-1000
Number of pages11
JournalAllergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume79
Issue number4
Early online date12 Oct 2023
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37822222
Mendeley 4ec0178e-3912-352b-a0e5-8e82fea0488d

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergoid, birch pollen, combined symptom and medication score, mannan conjugate

Library keywords