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Lolium Perenne

This article summarizes several clinical trials investigating the use of Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) pollen extract in immunotherapy treatments for allergic conditions like rhinitis and asthma. The trials examine different formulations and combinations of grass pollen extracts, including Lolium perenne, to evaluate their safety and efficacy in reducing allergy symptoms and medication use.

Table of Contents

What is Lolium Perenne?

Lolium perenne, commonly known as perennial ryegrass, is a type of grass pollen that is frequently used in allergy treatments. It is often included in mixtures with other grass pollens to create vaccines for treating allergic conditions[1]. This grass is part of a group of plants that commonly cause allergic reactions in many people, especially during the grass pollen season.

Medical Uses

Lolium perenne is primarily used in the treatment of allergic conditions, including:

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Inflammation of the nasal passages causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and congestion[2]
  • Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: A condition affecting both the nasal passages and eyes, causing symptoms in both areas[2]
  • Allergic asthma: A type of asthma triggered by allergens like grass pollen[2]

These conditions can range from moderate to severe and may be intermittent (occurring only during certain seasons) or persistent (present year-round)[3].

How It Works

Lolium perenne is used in a treatment called allergen-specific immunotherapy. This therapy works by gradually exposing the immune system to small amounts of the allergen (in this case, grass pollen). Over time, this exposure helps the body build tolerance to the allergen, reducing allergic reactions[1].

The treatment often uses modified allergen extracts or allergoids. These are versions of the allergen that have been chemically altered (usually with glutaraldehyde) to reduce their ability to cause allergic reactions while still stimulating the immune system[4].

Administration

Lolium perenne treatments are typically administered in two main ways:

  1. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT): This involves injections under the skin, usually in the upper arm. The treatment often follows a schedule of increasing doses over time[1].
  2. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): This method involves placing the allergen extract under the tongue, where it’s absorbed. It’s often used as an alternative to injections[1].

The treatment is typically given before and during the grass pollen season, which usually occurs in late spring and early summer[3].

Effectiveness

Clinical trials have shown that immunotherapy with Lolium perenne and other grass pollens can be effective in reducing allergy symptoms and the need for medication. Effectiveness is often measured by:

  • Reduction in allergy symptoms
  • Decreased need for allergy medications
  • Improved quality of life
  • Changes in immune system markers (like specific antibodies)

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness can vary between individuals, and it may take several months to a year of treatment to see significant improvements[2].

Side Effects and Safety

While allergen immunotherapy is generally considered safe when administered under medical supervision, it can cause side effects. These may include:

  • Local reactions at the injection site (for SCIT)
  • Itching or swelling in the mouth (for SLIT)
  • In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions

Patients with certain conditions, such as severe asthma, may not be suitable candidates for this treatment. Always consult with an allergist or immunologist before starting any allergy treatment[3].

Ongoing Research

Research on grass pollen immunotherapy, including treatments using Lolium perenne, is ongoing. Current studies are focusing on:

  • Optimizing dosing regimens
  • Comparing different administration methods
  • Investigating long-term effectiveness
  • Studying the treatment’s impact on asthma control
  • Evaluating safety in different patient populations

These studies aim to improve the effectiveness and safety of grass pollen immunotherapy, potentially making it a more accessible and efficient treatment option for those suffering from grass pollen allergies[2][3][4][1].

Trial Aspect Details
Allergens Studied Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass), often in combination with other grass pollens (e.g., Phleum pratense, Dactylis glomerata) and sometimes tree pollens (olive, juniper)
Target Conditions Allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, mild to moderate allergic asthma
Administration Method Subcutaneous injections
Key Outcome Measures Symptom scores, medication use, quality of life, immunological changes (IgE, IgG4 levels)
Study Designs Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials
Treatment Duration Typically one year or one pollen season
Safety Assessments Monitoring of adverse events, local and systemic reactions

FAQ

  • What is Lolium perenne and why is it being studied in these clinical trials? Lolium perenne, also known as perennial ryegrass, is a type of grass pollen that commonly causes allergies. It is being studied as part of allergen immunotherapy treatments to help reduce allergy symptoms in people sensitive to grass pollens.
  • What types of allergic conditions are being targeted in these trials? The trials are primarily focused on treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever), rhinoconjunctivitis (affecting eyes and nose), and mild to moderate allergic asthma caused by grass pollen allergies.
  • How is the Lolium perenne extract administered in these studies? The extract is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) as part of an allergen immunotherapy regimen. Some trials use modified or polymerized extracts to potentially improve efficacy and safety.
  • What are the main outcomes being measured in these clinical trials? The trials are measuring outcomes like reduction in allergy symptoms, decreased need for allergy medications, quality of life improvements, changes in immunological markers like IgE antibodies, and safety assessments of the treatments.
  • Are these treatments only using Lolium perenne or other allergens as well? While Lolium perenne is a key component, most of the trials are using mixtures of different grass pollens, sometimes in combination with other allergens like olive or juniper tree pollen, to target multiple allergies simultaneously.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Lolium Perenne

  • 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 inflammation of the nasal passages, commonly known as hay fever, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis: A combination of rhinitis (nasal symptoms) and conjunctivitis (eye symptoms) caused by allergies, affecting both the nose and eyes.
  • Immunotherapy: A treatment approach that modifies the immune system's response to allergens, typically by administering gradually increasing doses of an allergen to build tolerance.
  • Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin. In these trials, it refers to injections given just under the skin surface.
  • Polymerized extract: An allergen extract that has been chemically modified to form larger molecules, potentially improving its effectiveness and safety in immunotherapy.
  • IgE (Immunoglobulin E): An antibody produced by the immune system in response to allergens, playing a key role in allergic reactions.
  • ARIA classification: Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma, a system for classifying the severity and duration of allergic rhinitis symptoms.
  • FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, a measure of lung function used to assess asthma severity and control.
  • Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT): A diagnostic test where allergen is applied to the eye to assess allergic response and sensitivity.
  • Combined Symptom and Medication Score (CSMS): A measure used in allergy trials that combines the severity of allergy symptoms with the amount of rescue medication used by patients.

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/
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-of-beltavac-with-grass-pollen-extract-for-patients-with-allergic-rhinoconjunctivitis-and-possible-asthma/
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-a-grass-and-juniperus-oxycedrus-allergy-vaccine-for-patients-with-allergic-rhinitis-or-rhinoconjunctivitis-with-or-without-mild-asthma/
  4. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-a-grass-and-olive-pollen-allergy-vaccine-for-patients-with-allergic-rhinitis-or-asthma/