The first domestic vaccine for allergy prevention

A new allergy vaccine, "Allergarda," has been registered in Russia. It was developed by scientists at the Institute of Allergology and Immunology of the FMBA of Russia to combat reactions to birch pollen. A key feature of the drug is that it helps not only with seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis but also with associated food allergies (specifically, reactions to peanuts, soy, and stone fruits). Doctors will also be able to prescribe "Allergarda" to prevent the development of asthma in people with birch pollen allergies.

As Veronika Skvortsova, head of the FMBA, explained, scientists employed an innovative method to create the vaccine: they isolated only the specific parts of the allergen that "train" the immune system, discarding everything else.

As a result, the drug does not trigger allergic reactions and is better tolerated by patients. Furthermore, this new technique has made treatment much faster; instead of the 30 injections required in traditional therapy, only five are now needed.

According to the instructions for use, Allergarda is a suspension for subcutaneous administration, given once every four weeks. Treatment with Allergarda should be initiated in advance so that the course of therapy is completed before the anticipated start of the birch pollen season.

The vaccine stimulates the production of protective IgG antibodies, which block allergens before they trigger symptoms. Its action is aimed not only at alleviating symptoms during the pollen season but also at establishing immunological tolerance to the allergen.

Data from Phase II clinical trials of the drug Allergarda revealed risks of anaphylaxis: five severe cases (four at the 40 µg dose and one at 80 µg) and one case of urticaria at the maximum dosage. Although all reactions were successfully managed and resulted in no lasting consequences, experts emphasize the need for strict monitoring. Consequently, the drug's package insert draws special attention to this type of hypersensitivity reaction.

Vaccination must be performed only under the supervision of specialists; self-administration is strictly prohibited.