Danish drugmaker ALK-Abello has launched vaccine against grass pollen allergy, Grazax, in Germany, its first world market.
In contrast to previous immunotherapies, which have mainly been given by injection, Grazax is administered as fast-dissolving tablet that patients simply place under the tongue. This means that, for the first time, therapy can be delivered at home. The agent is the first allergy tablet to address the underlying cause of allergic rhinitis and not just treat the symptoms, according to the company
Grazax will subsequently be introduced in other European markets, beginning with countries where ALK-Abello – formerly part of food ingredients group Chr Hansen – has affiliates. More than 20% of the industrialised population suffer from allergy, of which approximately 50% are allergic to grass pollen, it said.
Analysts said the launch in Germany should make it easier for Alk-Abello to find a partner for the product in the USA.
