Allergen immunotherapy

An allergen-specific approach

Allergen immunotherapy relates to an immune response directed at a particular source. A pollen preparation is not interchangeable with a mite preparation simply because both are described as desensitisation products. Source identification, sometimes including the species, and the properties of the extract are therefore central features. This differs from identifying an antihistamine: the product is characterised not only by a broad treatment class, but also by the allergenic material it contains and the purpose for which that preparation was developed.

Sublingual and injectable preparations

Depending on the product, immunotherapy preparations may be administered by a sublingual or subcutaneous route. A solution, a sublingual tablet and an injectable preparation have different pharmaceutical characteristics. Sharing an allergen name does not establish equivalent concentrations or expressions of activity. Product-specific units and standardisation must retain their documented meaning. They do not create an assumed conversion between manufacturers, extracts or administration routes. These distinctions are especially useful when several references mention the same allergen source.

Diagnosis and immunotherapy have different purposes

The ATC allergen family also includes diagnostic products. An extract intended for allergy testing does not become an immunotherapy preparation because the same source appears in its name. EMA guidance distinguishes diagnostic development from development for immunotherapy. In professional identification, allergen source must therefore be considered together with diagnostic or therapeutic purpose and the precise presentation. Neither the interpretation of a test nor the medical selection of an immunotherapy programme can be inferred from a catalogue category alone.

Frequently asked questions