Phase I study of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma

Aim: A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted according to EMA guidelines, to evaluate safety, tolerability and short-term treatment effects of three updosing regimens of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy. Patients & methods: Forty-eight patients were randomized to groups: A (six weekly doses), B (eight weekly doses) or C (eight doses, two clustered doses over 3 weeks). Results: The most frequent adverse events were local reactions. No serious adverse events were found. Severe systemic reactions were reported more frequently in Group C. Decreased cutaneous responses and increased specific IgGs were shown in all active groups, even within the short-term. Conclusion: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy in depot presentation exhibited good safety and tolerability. Group A seemed to show the best profile for further clinical development.