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Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract

This article discusses clinical trials investigating the use of Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract, also known as velvet grass pollen extract, as part of a combination therapy for treating moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis caused by house dust mite allergy. The trials aim to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment approach in adult patients, with a focus on improving symptoms and quality of life.

Table of Contents

What is Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract?

Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract is derived from the pollen of Holcus Lanatus, commonly known as velvet grass[1]. It is one of several grass pollen extracts used in allergy testing and treatment. This extract is part of a broader group of grass pollen allergens that are frequently used in diagnosing and treating grass pollen allergies.

Medical Conditions Treated

Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract is primarily used in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions related to grass pollen, including:

  • Allergic Rhinitis: This is an allergic reaction that causes symptoms in the nose, such as sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffy nose[1].
  • Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis: This condition affects both the nose and eyes, causing symptoms like those of allergic rhinitis plus eye symptoms such as itchy, watery, or red eyes[1].
  • Allergic Asthma: Some people with grass pollen allergies may also experience asthma symptoms triggered by grass pollen exposure[1].

How It Works

Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract works in two main ways:

  1. Diagnosis: It is used in skin prick tests to diagnose grass pollen allergies. A small amount of the extract is placed on the skin, which is then pricked. If a person is allergic, a small, itchy bump will appear at the site[1].
  2. Treatment: As part of allergen immunotherapy, small amounts of the allergen are introduced to the body over time, helping to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions[1].

Administration and Dosage

Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract is typically administered in two ways:

  • Skin Prick Test: For diagnostic purposes, a single drop is usually applied to the skin[1].
  • Immunotherapy: For treatment, it may be given as subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. The dosage and frequency are determined by a healthcare provider based on individual patient needs[1].

Current Clinical Trials

While there are no specific trials mentioned for Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract alone, it is often included in grass pollen mixture studies. A current clinical trial is investigating the effectiveness of a grass pollen mixture for allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis:

  • The study is assessing the efficacy of PURETHAL Mites Mixture, a subcutaneous immunotherapy, in adults with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis due to house dust mite allergy[1].
  • This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to evaluate the treatment’s effect on symptoms and quality of life over a one-year period[1].
  • The main objective is to assess the difference in Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS) between the treatment and placebo groups[1].

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While specific side effects for Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract are not detailed, allergen immunotherapy can generally cause:

  • Local reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling, itching)
  • Mild systemic reactions (sneezing, nasal congestion)
  • In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions

Precautions:

  • Always use under medical supervision
  • Inform your doctor of any other allergies or medical conditions
  • Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed

It’s important to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment[1].

Aspect Details
Study Type Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Centre Study
Treatment 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 Allergy
Primary Objective Assess clinical efficacy measured by Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS)
Key Inclusion Criteria Adults 18-65 years, history of HDM allergic rhinitis, positive skin prick test, FEV1 > 70%
Key Exclusion Criteria Severe immune disorders, active malignancies, moderate to severe asthma
Treatment Duration Approximately 52 weeks
Safety Assessments Adverse events, local and systemic reactions, impact on asthma parameters

FAQ

  • What is Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract? Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract, also known as velvet grass pollen extract, is one of the components in a mixture of grass pollens being studied for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis.
  • What is the main purpose of the clinical trial involving Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract? The main purpose is to assess the effectiveness of a pollen mixture containing Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract in treating moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis caused by house dust mite allergy in adults.
  • How is the effectiveness of the treatment measured in the trial? The effectiveness is primarily measured by the difference in the average Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS) during the last 8 weeks of treatment between the active treatment group and the placebo group.
  • What are some of the inclusion criteria for participating in the trial? Some key inclusion criteria are: adults aged 18-65, a history of moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis for at least one year, positive skin prick test to house dust mites, and a minimum forced expiratory volume (FEV1) of more than 70%.
  • Are there any safety assessments in the trial? Yes, the trial includes safety assessments such as monitoring treatment-related adverse events, local and systemic reactions, and evaluating the impact on asthma parameters for participants who have asthma.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Holcus Lanatus Pollen Extract

  • 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 that causes inflammation in the nose, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis: A condition where both the nose and eyes are affected by an allergic reaction, causing symptoms in both areas.
  • House Dust Mite (HDM): Tiny insects that commonly live in household dust and can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
  • Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): A type of allergy treatment where small amounts of allergens are injected under the skin to help the body build tolerance over time.
  • Total Combined Rhinitis Score (TCRS): A measure used to assess the severity of rhinitis symptoms, combining individual symptom scores.
  • Forced Expiratory Volume 1 (FEV1): A lung function test that measures how much air a person can exhale in one second.
  • Skin Prick Test (SPT): An allergy test where small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin to check for allergic reactions.
  • Nasal Provocation Test (NPT): A test where allergens are applied to the nose to assess the allergic response.
  • Immunoglobulin E (IgE): An antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions.
  • Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ): A survey used to assess how allergic rhinitis affects a person's daily life and well-being.

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/