Stallergenes Greer Confirms Benefits of Liquid Sublingual AIT for Allergic Asthma in Landmark Study

Stallergenes Greer has announced the results of its extensive EfficAPSI real-world study, focusing on the impact of their liquid sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT-liquid) on asthma onset and progression in patients with allergic rhinitis. Published in the Lancet Regional Health-Europe, this study underscores the potential of SLIT-liquid as a disease-modifying treatment for allergic asthma.

The EfficAPSI study is the largest of its kind in allergen immunotherapy, involving over 440,000 patients over a nine-year period. The study includes more than 110,000 patients treated with SLIT-liquid and symptomatic drugs, and over 330,000 patients treated with only symptomatic drugs. The primary aim was to assess the effectiveness of Stallergenes Greer SLIT-liquid in preventing the onset or exacerbation of asthma in those with allergic rhinitis.

Key findings of the study are as follows:
- There was a 36% reduction in the risk of new asthma events in the overall cohort treated with SLIT-liquid and symptomatic drugs compared to those treated with symptomatic drugs only.
- In patients without pre-existing asthma, a 38% reduction in the risk of asthma onset was observed.
- For patients with pre-existing asthma, there was a one-third reduction in the need to step up treatment according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, indicating a significant impact of SLIT-liquid in preventing asthma worsening.

Professor Pascal Demoly, a prominent figure in the study, noted that the findings highlight the role of SLIT-liquid in transforming asthma management. He emphasized the importance of personalized treatment tailored to individual patient needs for better outcomes.

Dr. Elena Rizova, Chief Medical Officer at Stallergenes Greer, expressed the company's commitment to advancing allergen immunotherapy and improving the quality of life for people with allergies. The study's results, she said, provide valuable scientific evidence and insights into the benefits of SLIT-liquid as a public health measure.

The EfficAPSI study utilized data from the French national health database (SNDS), which covers 99% of the French population. This comprehensive data collection allowed for a detailed analysis of the real-life impact of SLIT-liquid on asthma. The study defined asthma onset or worsening through specific pharmacy dispensations, hospitalizations, or long-term disease diagnoses, with various definitions used to capture both mild and severe forms of asthma.

Patients treated with SLIT-liquid showed a significantly lower risk of new asthma events and asthma onset compared to those in the control group. Specifically, SLIT-liquid exposure led to a reduction in asthma events by various measures (sensitive, specific, and combined definitions). The study also noted beneficial outcomes across a range of allergens, including house dust mites, grass, birch, and ragweed pollens, and cat dander, consistent across all age groups.

The EfficAPSI study's scientific committee included experts from various fields, such as Prof. Pascal Demoly, Prof. Philippe Devillier, Prof. Jean François Bergmann, Dr. Bertrand Delaisi, and Prof. Mathieu Molimard. Their involvement ensured the rigorous design and execution of the study, contributing to its credibility and relevance.

Allergic rhinitis, affecting over 500 million people worldwide, often leads to a higher risk of rhinitis exacerbation and asthma. Symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes can severely impact quality of life. The findings from the EfficAPSI study provide hope for better management and prevention of these conditions through SLIT-liquid treatment.

Stallergenes Greer, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, specializes in diagnosing and treating respiratory, food, and venom allergies through allergen immunotherapy. The company remains dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient outcomes in allergy treatment.