A major step forward for sublingual immunotherapy: the quality of 5-grass pollen tablet is recognized also in Italy

Abstract

Giorgio CiprandiMedicine Department, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino, Genoa, ItalyAfter a century of allergen immunotherapy (AIT), for the first time, the Italian Agency for Drugs (AIFA [Agenzia italiana per il farmaco]) has just approved the full reimbursement (A class) for an AIT product, such as the 5-grass pollen tablet with the indication for treating allergic rhinitis (AR).On the other hand, AR represents a relevant health issue as the worldwide prevalence is approximately 20%.1 AR is sustained by an IgE-mediated inflammatory reaction that in turn induces typical symptom occurrence. Allergic inflammation is promoted by an allergen-specific defect of T-regulatory cells and a Th2 polarization.2 This impaired immune response characterizes the two main peculiarities of allergic reaction: systemic IgE production and nasal eosinophil infiltrate.3 AR has also a significant social burden both in terms of high costs and individual complaints, mainly negatively affecting quality of life.