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Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract

This article discusses clinical trials investigating the use of Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract, also known as Tall Fescue Pollen Extract, as part of a combination therapy for allergies. The extract is being studied alongside other grass pollen extracts in a solution for skin-prick tests, which are used to diagnose allergies. These trials aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of immunotherapy treatments for patients suffering from various pollen allergies.

Table of Contents

What is Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract?

Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract, also known as Tall Fescue Pollen Extract, is a substance derived from the pollen of the Festuca elatior grass species[1]. This extract is used in allergy testing and treatment, particularly for individuals who suffer from grass pollen allergies.

Medical Uses

The primary use of Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract is in the diagnosis and treatment of grass pollen allergies. It is often included in allergy tests and immunotherapy treatments, such as:

  • Skin Prick Tests: Used to diagnose specific allergies by observing skin reactions to various allergens, including grass pollens[1].
  • Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): A treatment method where small amounts of allergens are placed under the tongue to help build tolerance over time[1].

How is it Administered?

Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract is typically administered in two main ways:

  1. Skin Prick Test: A small drop of the allergen solution is placed on the skin, usually on the forearm or back. The skin is then gently pricked through the drop. If a person is allergic, a small, itchy bump will appear at the site within about 15 minutes[1].
  2. Sublingual Immunotherapy: If used for treatment, the extract may be given as drops or tablets placed under the tongue. This is typically done daily at home, following a doctor’s prescribed regimen[1].

Current Clinical Trials

While the provided clinical trial information doesn’t specifically focus on Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract, it does mention this extract as part of a mixture used in allergy testing. The trial is investigating the effectiveness and safety of sublingual immunotherapy for birch pollen allergy[1]. This suggests that Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract is often used alongside other grass and tree pollen extracts in allergy research and treatment.

Who Can Receive This Treatment?

Based on the clinical trial information, patients who might be eligible for treatments involving Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract typically:

  • Are between 18 and 65 years old
  • Have moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis due to pollen for at least two years
  • Have well-controlled mild-to-moderate asthma or no asthma
  • Show positive results in skin prick tests and specific IgE blood tests for relevant allergens

However, specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the particular treatment or study[1].

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While the information provided doesn’t detail specific side effects for Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract, allergy treatments in general can have some risks:

  • Local reactions at the site of administration (itching, redness, swelling)
  • In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions

Precautions and contraindications may include:

  • Severe or unstable asthma
  • Certain immune system disorders
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Severe heart, kidney, or liver diseases

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new allergy treatment[1].

Aspect Details
Study Type Clinical trial investigating allergy treatments
Main Substance Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract (Tall Fescue Pollen Extract)
Other Substances Timothy Grass, Lolium Perenne, Poa Pratensis, Dactylis Glomerata pollen extracts
Form of Administration Solution for skin-prick test
Purpose Diagnosis of allergies and potential immunotherapy treatment
Target Condition Pollen allergies, including moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis
Concentration 30 HEP/ml

FAQ

  • What is Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract? Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract, also known as Tall Fescue Pollen Extract, is a substance derived from the pollen of tall fescue grass. It is being studied as part of a combination of grass pollen extracts for allergy diagnosis and treatment.
  • How is Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract used in clinical trials? In the clinical trial mentioned, Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract is part of a solution used for skin-prick tests. These tests help diagnose allergies by observing the skin's reaction to various allergens, including grass pollens.
  • What other pollen extracts are being studied alongside Festuca Elatior? The clinical trial includes a mix of grass pollen extracts: Timothy Grass, Lolium Perenne (Ryegrass), Poa Pratensis (Kentucky Blue Grass), Festuca Elatior (Tall Fescue), and Dactylis Glomerata (Cocksfoot) pollen extracts.
  • What is the purpose of the skin-prick test solution containing these pollen extracts? The skin-prick test solution is used to diagnose allergies. It helps healthcare providers identify specific allergens that cause reactions in patients, which can then guide treatment decisions, including potential immunotherapy.
  • Are there any specific patient groups being studied in these trials? While the provided information doesn't specify patient groups for the Festuca Elatior extract specifically, the related trial mentions studying patients with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis due to birch pollen. This suggests that the research focuses on individuals with various pollen allergies.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Festuca Elatior Pollen Extract

  • Study of Grass Pollen Extract and Olive Pollen Extract for Patients with Hay Fever and Asthma caused by Grass and Olive Pollen Allergies

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Portugal Spain

  • Study of the efficacy and safety of depigmented polymerized grass pollen extracts for patients with allergic rhinitis and controlled asthma.

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Portugal Spain

  • Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Sublingual Immunotherapy with Betula Pendula Pollen Extract for Patients with Birch Pollen Allergy

    Not recruiting

    4 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany

Glossary

  • Allergen: A substance that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. In this context, it refers to various types of grass pollen.
  • Immunotherapy: A treatment that aims to change how your immune system responds to allergens, potentially reducing allergic reactions over time.
  • Skin-prick test: A method used to diagnose allergies by placing a small amount of a potential allergen on the skin and then lightly pricking the area to see if a reaction occurs.
  • Allergic rhinitis: An allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the nose, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis: A condition where both the nose and eyes are affected by an allergic reaction, causing symptoms in both areas.
  • Pollen: Fine powder produced by plants for reproduction. Some types of pollen can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
  • HEP: Stands for 'Histamine Equivalent Prick'. It's a unit used to measure the potency of allergen extracts in skin-prick tests.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-sublingual-immunotherapy-with-betula-pendula-pollen-extract-for-patients-with-birch-pollen-allergy/