GlaxoSmithKline submits allergic rhinitis drug for European approval

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has submitted Avamys, a treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR), for approval with EU regulatory authorities.

The move is the first step in a regulatory process that could see the drug become available to people in the UK suffering from allergic rhinitis – characterised by runny, red noses, fiery itchiness and watery eyes.

Avamys is described as an enhanced affinity intranasal corticosteroid. In seven clinical trials involving 2,555 patients, a “significant” improvement was observed in the nasal symptoms of both SAR and PAR. Additionally, the drug was “consistently associated” with the lessening of watery and irritated eyes.

Kathy Rickard, vice president of clinical at the Respiratory Medicine Development Centre, stated: “This is an important milestone in our respiratory research and we hope this medicine will offer help to millions of seasonal and perennial allergy patients.”

SAR is best known as hay fever, according to the Surrey Allergy Clinic. Patients with PAR are often misdiagnosed as having a long-term cold, when in fact their symptoms could be induced by house mite, dog dandruff, horse hair, or even hamster or rabbit urine. Some 80 per cent of asthma patients also suffer from contaminant allergic rhinitis, the clinic stated.

GlaxoSmithKline estimates that over one in five Europeans suffer from allergic rhinitis, of which half go undiagnosed.

Britain’s largest pharmaceutical company also offers over-the-counter allergy treatments like Piriton and Flixonase nasal spray.

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