Merck's Grastek receives FDA approval

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck announced that the Food and Drug Administration has approved Grastek (Timothy grass pollen allergen extract) tablet for sublingual use. The drug is an allergen extract used for the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis. It is approved for use in persons ages 5 years through 65 years of age.



“Every grass pollen season, many patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis experience nasal and ocular allergy symptoms at their worst while taking symptom-relieving medication,” said Dr. David Bernstein, professor of medicine and environmental health in the division of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “These patients often have multiple sensitivities. Some of these patients may be candidates for immunotherapy, but decline allergy shots. With the FDA approval of Grastek, allergy specialists now have a new sublingual approach to offer these patients for their grass allergies.”



Timothy grass is one of the most common grass types in the United States, and has shown to be cross-reactive with other grasses, such as sweet vernal, orchard (or cocksfoot) and perennial rye, among others.