FDA considering two new allergy remedies

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting of the Allergenic Products Advisory Committee on Tuesday to determine the safety and efficacy of Ragwitek, a short ragweed pollen allergen extract tablet for sublingual use, which is manufactured by Merck and indicated for immunotherapy for diagnosed ragweed pollen induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis.

“The committee is likely to approve these tablets which will mark great improvement in the fight against allergy,” stated Michael Foggs, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “Once the committee and then the FDA approve the tablets, allergy sufferers will have another form of treatment available to them.” 

In December, the same committee granted approval for Stallergenes' Oralair, which are grass allergy tablets. Assuming the committee also approves the ragweed allergy tablets, the FDA will then have to approve both the grass and ragweed tablets before they can be made available to allergy sufferers, Foggs noted.

Currently, the best treatment for those with moderate-to-severe allergy symptoms is allergy shots, according to ACAAI.