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Festuca Rubra Pollen

This article discusses the use of Festuca Rubra Pollen, also known as Red Fescue Pollen, in clinical trials for allergy treatment. Festuca Rubra Pollen is one of several grass pollens being studied as part of a mixture used in skin prick tests and immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by grass pollen allergies. These trials aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of treatments containing this and other grass pollens in managing allergic symptoms.

Table of Contents

What is Festuca Rubra Pollen?

Festuca rubra pollen, also known as red fescue pollen, is one of the components in a mixture of grass pollens used in allergy testing and treatment[1]. It is part of a group of grass pollens that are commonly associated with allergic reactions in many individuals. This pollen is derived from the Festuca rubra grass, which is a type of grass found in many parts of the world.

Medical Uses

Festuca rubra pollen is primarily used in the diagnosis and treatment of grass pollen allergies. It is included in a solution called “HAL Allergy Prick Test Gräserpollen-Mischung” (HAL Allergy Prick Test Grass Pollen Mixture), which is used for skin prick tests[1]. These tests help doctors diagnose allergies by observing the skin’s reaction to various allergens.

The pollen mixture containing Festuca rubra is used to diagnose and potentially treat conditions such as:

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): An allergic reaction causing sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes
  • Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: A condition affecting both the nose and eyes
  • Allergic asthma related to grass pollen sensitivity

Administration Method

The Festuca rubra pollen, as part of the grass pollen mixture, is administered in two main ways:

  1. Skin Prick Test: A small drop of the 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 15-20 minutes[1].
  2. Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): If a person is diagnosed with a grass pollen allergy, they may receive treatment in the form of allergy shots. These shots contain small amounts of the allergens, including Festuca rubra pollen, and are given under the skin to help the body build tolerance over time[1].

Clinical Trial Information

While the provided clinical trial information doesn’t specifically focus on Festuca rubra pollen alone, it does mention a study involving a mixture of grass pollens for allergy treatment. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a treatment called PURETHAL Mites Mixture for adults with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis due to house dust mite allergy[1].

Although this particular trial doesn’t directly involve Festuca rubra pollen, it demonstrates the ongoing research into allergen immunotherapy, which is the same principle used in grass pollen allergy treatments.

Potential Benefits

The use of Festuca rubra pollen in allergy testing and treatment can potentially offer several benefits:

  • Accurate diagnosis of grass pollen allergies
  • Reduced allergy symptoms over time with immunotherapy
  • Improved quality of life for individuals with grass pollen allergies
  • Potential reduction in the need for allergy medications

Safety and Side Effects

While generally considered safe when used as directed by healthcare professionals, there are potential side effects and risks to be aware of:

  • Local reactions at the site of skin prick tests or injections, such as redness, itching, or swelling
  • In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions could occur, especially during immunotherapy
  • Individuals with certain health conditions may not be suitable candidates for this type of testing or treatment

It’s crucial to discuss any concerns or potential risks with your healthcare provider before undergoing allergy testing or treatment.

Who Can Use This Treatment?

The use of Festuca rubra pollen in allergy testing and treatment is typically considered for individuals who:

  • Have a history of allergic symptoms during grass pollen season
  • Are between the ages of 18-65 (for the specific clinical trial mentioned)
  • Do not have severe immune disorders or other contraindications
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Do not have uncontrolled asthma or other severe respiratory conditions

Always consult with an allergist or immunologist to determine if this type of testing or treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.

Aspect Details
Study Type Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Centre Study
Main Objective Assess efficacy of PURETHAL Mites Mixture 50,000 AUeq/mL Subcutaneous Immunotherapy
Target Condition Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis/Rhinoconjunctivitis with or without Asthma Induced by House Dust Mite (HDM) Allergy
Primary Endpoint Average daily Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS) during last 8 weeks of treatment
Key Secondary Endpoints Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Rhinitis Medication Score (RMS), immunological effects, quality of life
Inclusion Criteria Highlights Adults 18-65 years, positive skin prick test and serum IgE for HDM, minimum symptom severity
Exclusion Criteria Highlights Severe immune disorders, uncontrolled asthma, recent immunosuppressive treatment
Treatment Duration Approximately 52 weeks
Safety Assessments Adverse events, local and systemic reactions, asthma-related parameters

FAQ

  • What is Festuca Rubra Pollen and how is it used in clinical trials? Festuca Rubra Pollen, or Red Fescue Pollen, is one component of a grass pollen mixture used in allergy testing and treatment. In clinical trials, it's part of a solution used for skin prick tests to diagnose grass pollen allergies and in immunotherapy treatments to reduce allergy symptoms.
  • What conditions are being studied using Festuca Rubra Pollen? The clinical trials are focusing on moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis (with or without asthma) caused by house dust mite allergies. While Festuca Rubra Pollen is part of a grass pollen mixture, the trials are exploring its use in diagnosing and treating various allergic conditions.
  • How is the effectiveness of treatments containing Festuca Rubra Pollen measured? The effectiveness is measured using various scores and tests, including the Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS), Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Rhinitis Medication Score (RMS), and changes in immunoglobulin levels (IgE, IgG, IgG4). These measurements help assess improvements in allergy symptoms and immune response.
  • Are there any safety concerns when using Festuca Rubra Pollen in clinical trials? Safety is a key focus of these trials. Researchers monitor for treatment-related adverse events, local and systemic reactions, and effects on asthma parameters. Participants are carefully selected to exclude those with severe immune disorders, uncontrolled asthma, or other conditions that might increase risk.
  • Who can participate in these clinical trials? Participants are typically adults aged 18-65 with a history of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis caused by house dust mites. They must meet specific criteria, including positive skin prick tests and blood tests for relevant allergens, and have a minimum level of allergy symptoms. Certain medical conditions or medications may exclude participation.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Festuca Rubra Pollen

  • Study on the Effectiveness of PURETHAL Mites for Adults with Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis or Rhinoconjunctivitis Due to House Dust Mite Allergy

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Bulgaria Germany Latvia Lithuania Poland

Glossary

  • Allergic Rhinitis: An allergic reaction affecting the nose, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion in response to allergens like pollen or dust mites.
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis: A combination of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, affecting both the nose and eyes, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and watery discharge.
  • Immunotherapy: A treatment approach that aims to modify the immune system's response to allergens, often involving regular exposure to small amounts of the allergen to build tolerance over time.
  • Skin Prick Test (SPT): A diagnostic method used to identify specific allergies by applying small amounts of potential allergens to the skin and observing for a reaction.
  • Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS): A measure used to assess the severity of rhinitis symptoms, combining scores for individual symptoms to give an overall picture of the condition's impact.
  • Nasal Provocation Test (NPT): A diagnostic procedure where an allergen is applied directly to the nasal mucosa to observe and measure the allergic response.
  • Immunoglobulin E (IgE): An antibody produced by the immune system that plays a key role in allergic reactions. Elevated levels can indicate an allergic response to specific substances.
  • Forced Expiratory Volume 1 (FEV1): A measure of lung function that represents the amount of air a person can forcefully exhale in one second, often used to assess respiratory health and asthma control.
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ): A standardized survey used to assess how allergic rhinoconjunctivitis affects a person's daily life and overall well-being.
  • Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): A form of allergy treatment where small amounts of allergens are injected under the skin to gradually build tolerance and reduce allergic symptoms over time.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-of-purethal-mites-for-adults-with-moderate-to-severe-allergic-rhinitis-or-rhinoconjunctivitis-due-to-house-dust-mite-allergy/