GSK's intranasal steroid helps hay fever sufferers
New data from a phase II study suggests a new, once-daily intranasal steroid Allermist/Avamys (fluticasone furoate) relieves both nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR, hay fever).
New data from a phase II study suggests a new, once-daily intranasal steroid Allermist/Avamys (fluticasone furoate) relieves both nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR, hay fever).
Fluticasone furoate (685698) is a novel, enhanced affinity steroid being developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for use in the treatment of allergic rhinitis as an intranasal spray.
"Existing intranasal steroids are effective against the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, the relief of ocular symptoms remains a key unmet need for patients," said clinical trial investigator Dr Bruce Martin from the Southwest Allergy and Asthma Clinical Research Department, San Antonio, Texas, US. "Patients often resort to taking multiple medications and their satisfaction with current treatment is often low. The novel corticosteroid fluticasone furoate, with its effect on both nasal and ocular symptoms in an innovative, easy-to-use delivery system, may help address the real needs of allergic rhinitis patients."
The Phase II double blind study involved 641 SAR patients over 12 years old and revealed that fluticasone furoate significantly improved the nasal symptoms of SAR. Doses greater than 50 mcg significantly reduced ocular symptoms of SAR over the treatment period. However, only the three highest doses of fluticasone furoate significantly reduced the pre-dose, instantaneous total ocular symptom score.
"Based on these findings, fluticasone furoate nasal spray 100 mcg once-daily was considered to be the optimum dose to provide consistent and well tolerated relief of allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults and adolescents and will be used in the Phase III development", added Martin.