Advances in pharmacotherapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis; MP29-02 (a novel formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in an advanced delivery system) fills the gaps

Intranasal combo: fixed-dose combination of mometasone furoate and olopatadine hydrochloride in therapeutic strategies for rhinosinusitis

A novel strategy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis results from the innovative combination of antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid drugs. By combining two preparations with different mechanism of action, this novel approach facilitates quick and effective controls of all upper respiratory tract allergy symptoms. The article presents the results of a study of olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate fixed-dose combination (GSP301) administered intranasally from a spray formulation, with an attempt at positioning the treatment within the ARIA and EPOS guidelines.

Nasal sprays: commonly used medications that are often misunderstood

Sinonasal inflammatory disease is very common and all clinicians who care for these patients should understand the topical treatment options available. This article reviews the utility and application of steroidal, saline, decongestant, antihistamine and anticholinergic preparations for the treatment of sinonasal disease, with a particular focus on evidence-based guidelines for use in both specialist and non-specialist healthcare settings.

Discovery of anti-allergic components in Guomingkang Formula using sensitive HEMT biochips coupled with in vitro and in vivo validation

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent allergic disease, which seriously affects the sufferers' life quality and increases the socioeconomic burden. Guominkang (GMK), a well-known prescription for AR treatment, showed satisfactory effects; while its anti-allergic components remain to be disclosed. AlGaN/GaN HEMT biochip is more sensitive and cost-effective than other binding equipments, indicating its great potential for screening of active ingredients from herbal medicines.

METHODS

AR mouse models were first established to test the anti-allergic effect of GMK and discover the ingredients absorbed into blood by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectra (UHPLC-MS). Then, novel Syk/Lyn/Fyn-functionalized high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) biochips with high sensitivity and specificity were constructed and applied to screen the active components. Finally, the results from HEMT biochips screening were validated via in silico (molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation), in vitro (RBL-2H3 cells), and in vivo (PCA mice model) assays.

RESULTS

GMK showed a potent therapeutic effect on AR mice, and fifteen components were identified from the medicated plasma. Furthermore, hamaudol was firstly found to selectively inhibit the Syk and Lyn, and emodin was to selectively inhibit Lyn, which were further confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation analyses. Suppression of the activation of FcεRI-MAPK signals might be the possible mechanism of the anti-allergic effect of hamaudol.

CONCLUSIONS

The targets of emodin and hamaudol were discovered by HEMT biochips for the first time. This study provided a novel and effective strategy to discover active components in a complex herbal formula by using AlGaN/GaN HEMT biochips.

Managing Allergic Rhinitis in the Pharmacy: An ARIA Guide for Implementation in Practice

The paradigm of how we manage allergic rhinitis is shifting with a growing understanding that it is a complex process, requiring a coordinated effort from healthcare providers and patients. Pharmacists are key members of these integrated care pathways resolving medication-related problems, optimizing regimens, improving adherence and recommending therapies while establishing liaisons between patients and physicians. Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the public and allergic rhinitis is one of the most common diseases managed by pharmacists. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines developed over the past 20 years have improved the care of allergic rhinitis patients through an evidence-based, integrated care approach. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to allergic rhinitis management in community pharmacy following the 2019 ARIA in the pharmacy guidelines.

Current and Future Treatments of Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Advances in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of both rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis have resulted in new treatment options, especially for chronic rhinosinusitis. A review of relevant medical and surgical clinical studies shows that intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, and allergen immunotherapy continue to be the best treatments for chronic rhinitis. Dupilumab is the first biologic approved for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. Omalizumab, mepolizumab, and benralizumab may have a future role in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Novel corticosteroid delivery devices such as an exhalation delivery system for fluticasone and bioabsorbable sinus implants provide enhanced and localized distribution of corticosteroids. Surgical management tailored to the underlying disease process improves clinical outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis. Advances in the understanding of the heterogeneous nature of rhinitis and rhinosinusitis have resulted in more precise treatments. Improving the understanding of different endotypes should provide better knowledge to determine appropriate current and new therapies to treat these diseases.

Therapeutic utility of glucocorticoids and antihistamines cotreatment. Rationale and perspectives

Antihistamines and glucocorticoids (GCs) are often used together in the clinic, in several inflammatory-related situations. Even though there is no clear rationale for this drug association, the clinical practice is based on the assumption that due to their concomitant antiinflammatory effects, there should be an intrinsic benefit in their coadministration. Our group has studied the molecular interaction between the histamine H1 receptor and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling pathways, showing an enhancing effect on GC-induced GR transcriptional activity induced by antihistamines. We hypothesize that the existence of this synergistic effect could contribute in reducing the GCs clinical doses, ineffective by itself but effective in combination with an antihistamine. This could result in a therapeutic advantage as the GC-desired effects may be reinforced by the addition of an antihistamine and, as a consequence of the dose reduction, GC-related adverse effects could be reduced or at least mitigated. Here we discuss the potential therapeutic applications of this cotreatment seeking to evaluate its usefulness, especially in inflammatory-related conditions.

The complex pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis: scientific rationale for the development of an alternative treatment option

Allergic rhinitis (AR) poses a global health problem and can be challenging to treat. Many of the current symptomatic treatments for AR have been available for decades, yet there has been little improvement in patient quality of life or symptom burden over the years. In this review, we ask why this might be and explore the pathophysiological gaps that exist within the various AR treatment classes. We focus on the benefits and drawbacks of different treatment options and delivery routes for AR treatments and consider how, given what is known about AR pathophysiology and symptomatology, patients may be offered more effective treatment options for rapid, effective, and sustained AR control. In particular, we consider how a new AR preparation, MP-AzeFlu (Dymista^®, Meda, Sweden), comprising a formulation of an intranasal antihistamine (azelastine hydrochloride), an intranasal corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate), and excipients delivered in a single spray, may offer benefits over and above single and multiple AR therapy options. We review the evidence in support of this treatment across the spectrum of AR disease. The concept of AR control is also reviewed within the context of new European Union and Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un VIeillissement Actif-Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma initiatives.

Noninvasive allergic sinus congestion and resolution assessments using microcomputed tomography imaging

Sinus congestion resultant of allergic rhinosinusitis is associated with development and worsening of asthma and can result in difficulty breathing, headaches, and missed days of school and work. Quantification of sinus congestion is important in the understanding of allergic rhinosinusitis and the development of new drugs for its treatment. Noninvasive microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) was investigated in a guinea pig model of allergic rhinosinusitis to determine its utility to determine accurately the degree of sinus congestion and resolution with anti-inflammatory drug administration. Three-dimensional sinus air-space volume, two-dimensional sinus width, sinus image air-space area, and sinus image sinus perimeter were measured in guinea pigs administered ragweed pollen (RWP), intranasally (i.n.), followed by administration of fluticasone, i.n. To determine their relative accuracy in assessing sinus congestion, the micro-CT image results were compared with the "gold-standard" method of sinus fluid fill-volume (SFFV) measurements. As measured by SFFV method, RWP increased sinus congestion in a RWP concentration-dependent fashion, approaching near-total sinus blockage with concentrations ≥22 µg of RWP. At this level of congestion, fluticasone (25-100 µg) progressively decreased sinus congestion in a concentration-dependent fashion. The noninvasive micro-CT methods were found to accurately determine the amount of sinus congestion and resolution, with patterns of increases and decreases of congestion that were nearly identical to the SFFV method. We conclude that noninvasive micro-CT measurements of allergic sinus congestion can be useful as an investigative tool in the assessment of congestion intensity and the development of new drug therapies for its treatment. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Allergic rhinosinusitis afflicts significant portions of the world population, resulting in loss of work productivity and decreased quality of life. Thus the development of methodological approaches, which incorporate accurate and reproducible noninvasive assessments of sinus congestion, are desirable. Microcomputed tomography of the guinea pig sinuses offers a noninvasive evaluation tool in an animal model of IgE-dependent allergy similar to that in humans, with potential relevance toward development of therapeutics for human sinus diseases.

MP29-02 reduces nasal hyperreactivity and nasal mediators in patients with house dust mite-allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Nasal hyperreactivity (NHR) is an important clinical feature of allergic rhinitis (AR). The efficacy of MP29-02 (azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and fluticasone propionate [FP]) nasal spray on local inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR is unknown. We tested if MP29-02 decreases inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR and if this effect is due to restoration of nasal epithelial barrier function.

METHODS

A 4-week double-blinded placebo-controlled trial with MP29-02 treatment was conducted in 28 patients with house dust mite (HDM) AR. The presence of NHR was evaluated by measuring reduction in nasal flow upon cold dry air exposure. The effects of AZE ± FP on barrier integrity and airway inflammation were studied in a murine model of HDM-induced NHR and on reduced activation of murine sensory neurons and human mast cells.

RESULTS

MP29-02 but not placebo reduced NHR (P < .0001 vs P = .21), levels of substance P (P = .026 vs P = .941), and β-hexosaminidase (P = .036 vs P = .632) in human nasal secretions. In wild-type C57BL6 mice, the reduction in β-hexosaminidase levels (P < .0001) by AZE + FP treatment upon HDM challenge was found in parallel with a decreased transmucosal passage (P = .0012) and completely reversed eosinophilic inflammation (P = .0013). In vitro, repeated applications of AZE + FP desensitized sensory neurons expressing the transient receptor potential channels TRPA1 and TRPV1. AZE + FP reduced MC degranulation to the same extent as AZE alone.

CONCLUSION

MP29-02 treatment reduces inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR. The effects of AZE + FP on MC degranulation, nasal epithelial barrier integrity, and TRP channels provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.

The role of upper airway pathology as a co-morbidity in severe asthma

INTRODUCTION

Severe asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease that is refractory to standard treatment and is complicated by multiple co-morbidities and risk factors. Several co-morbidities may contribute to worsen asthma control and complicate diagnostic and therapeutic management of severe asthmatic patients. Areas covered: A prevalent cluster of chronic upper airway co-morbid diseases is recognized in severe asthma. Evaluation for these disorders should always be considered in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the prevalence, the pathogenetic mechanisms, the clinical impact and the therapeutic options for upper airway pathology in severe asthma, focusing on chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Expert commentary: In the context of severe asthma, the clinical significance of upper airway co-morbidities is based on mutual interactions complicating diagnosis and management. A better analysis and understanding of phenotypes and endotypes of both upper and lower airway diseases are crucial to further develop targeted treatment.

Methyl-cellulose powder for prevention and management of nasal symptoms

INTRODUCTION

HPMC-p, an inert micronized powder form of hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose, when insufflated nasally, provides a natural barrier against pollen allergens and noxious agents. This overview assesses the efficacy and safety of this patented powder product and delivery system without an analogue among the cellulose derivatives. Areas covered: Twenty-six studies with HPMC-p were critically appraised to obtain an updated characteristic of the product. Most studies assessed the efficacy of HPMC-p as a nasal barrier enforcing measure: one experimental setup evaluated its ability to prevent or delay the diffusion of allergen through it, two clinical studies used allergen provocation tests, and the remaining relied on clinical criteria in open real world or placebo controlled designs. Two studies checked if HPMC-p could enhance the efficacy of drugs applied nasally to treat local symptoms. The studies, using either nasal allergen challenge or natural exposure of patients to environmental allergen, support the hypothesis that HPMC-p possesses barrier enforcing properties. Also, acute and clinical experiments indicated that intra-nasal application of HPMC-p following local relief medications enhances their ability to suppress symptoms and reduces their long-term use. Expert commentary: Nasal insufflation of HPMC-p provides a mucosal barrier, reducing the nasal symptoms and enhancing the effects of local relief medications.

Combination therapy in allergic rhinitis: What works and what does not work

Allergic rhinitis and other rhinitis subtypes are increasingly becoming some of the most prevalent and expensive medical conditions that affect the U.S.

POPULATION

Both direct health care costs and indirect costs significantly impact the health care system due to delays in diagnosis, lack of treatment, ineffective treatment, poor medication adherence, and associated comorbidities. Many patients who have AR turn to over-the-counter medications for relief but often find themselves dissatisfied with the results. Determining the correct diagnosis, followed by initiation of the most-effective treatment(s), is essential to provide patients with better symptomatic management and quality of life. Although there are many options, currently available combination therapies, e.g., azelastine with fluticasone and intranasal corticosteroids with nasal decongestants, offer distinct advantages for the management of complex rhinitis phenotypes. Further research is required to investigate the pathomechanisms and biomarkers for mixed rhinitis and nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis subtypes that will lead to novel targeted therapies for these conditions.

A review of the clinical efficacy and safety of MP-AzeFlu, a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate, in clinical studies conducted during different allergy seasons in the US

A novel intranasal formulation of azelastine HCl (AZE, an antihistamine) and fluticasone propionate (FP, a corticosteroid) in a single spray (MP-AzeFlu [Dymista®]) was studied in four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis conducted in the US. Study sites were distributed so that all major US geographic regions and the prevalent pollens within these regions were represented. Spring and summer studies included patients aged 12 years and older with allergy to grass and tree pollens. Fall studies enrolled patients with allergy to weeds, in particular ragweed. In addition, a study was conducted during the winter months in patients with allergy to mountain cedar pollen in TX, USA. Regardless of allergy season or prevalent pollen, MP-AzeFlu improved nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) to a significantly greater degree than AZE or FP, two treatments that currently are recommended as the first-line AR therapy. MP-AzeFlu improved all individual AR symptoms and was significantly better than FP and AZE for nasal congestion relief, which is generally accepted as the most bothersome symptom for AR patients. The onset of action was within 30 minutes. MP-AzeFlu also provided clinically important improvement in the overall Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score and significantly improved ocular symptoms of rhinitis compared to placebo. Favorable characteristics of the MP-AzeFlu formulation as well as superior clinical efficacy make it an ideal intranasal therapy for AR.

Allergic rhinitis: pharmacotherapy in pregnancy and old age

INTRODUCTION

Allergic rhinitis (AR) affects 20-30% of women in reproductive age and may worsen during pregnancy. About 10% of the elderly suffer from AR, and it could be under-diagnosed in these patients. Many drugs are currently available, however AR treatment during pregnancy and old age represents a challenging issue.

AREAS COVERED

A review of the literature on the topic has been performed. Expert commentary: In pregnancy, drug avoidance should be carefully balanced with the need for AR optimal control. Topical drugs are suggested as a first approach. The safety and tolerability profile of second-generation antihistamines is well supported. If allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is ongoing and well tolerated, there is no reason for stopping it. AIT initiation in pregnancy is not recommended. For elderly patients, no specific concerns have been highlighted regarding topical treatments, except from nasal decongestionants. Second generation antihistamines are generally well tolerated. Old age should not preclude AIT.

Allergic Rhinitis: Mechanisms and Treatment

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has been estimated at 10% to 40%, and its economic burden is substantial. AR patients develop specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody responses to indoor and outdoor environmental allergens with exposure over time. These specific IgE antibodies bind to high-affinity IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils. Key outcome measures of therapeutic interventions include rhinitis symptom control, rescue medication requirements, and quality-of-life measures. A comprehensive multiple modality treatment plan customized to the individual patient can optimize outcomes.

Novel, Alternative, and Controversial Therapies of Rhinitis

Rhinitis is a multifactorial disease characterized by sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal drip, and nasal congestion. This condition affects 10% to 40% of the population and is responsible for billions of spent health care dollars and impairment in quality of life for those affected. Currently available medical and vaccine therapies are effective for a large segment of this population; however, a subset of patients still has difficult-to-control rhinitis. This article reviews the current progress being made in novel drug and vaccine development and delves into alternative medical, surgical, and homeopathic strategies that may be promising adjunctive treatments for the difficult-to-treat rhinitis patient.

Recent pharmacological developments in the treatment of perennial and persistent allergic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has a major negative impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) and carries a high socio economic burden. This is particularly the case for patients who experience symptoms for extended periods of time (i.e. those with perennial (PAR) or persistent AR (PER), depending on the classification system used). This review covers available pharmacological advances and recent developments in the treatment of PAR or PER.

AREAS COVERED

Pharmacological AR treatment is used to reduce symptom burden and help restore patients' normal daily routine. Traditionally, non-sedating antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids (INS) were the two drug classes recommended for use first line. These, along with antileukotrienes, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers and anticholinergics, constituted the bulk of the AR treatment arsenal. MP-AzeFlu (Dymista®, Meda, Solna, Sweden) is the most recent addition to that arsenal. It is a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and fluticasone propionate (FP) delivered in a single spray and has surpassed available therapies in terms of symptom control and treatment response. Other relatively new treatments for PAR or PER include H3 antihistamines, toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cellulose powders and micro-emulsions, novel biomolecular formulations and omalizumab. Each of these new additions is reviewed here.

EXPERT OPINION

A new AR drug class has recently been introduced (i.e. RO1AD58). Currently MP-AzeFlu is the only treatment option within this drug class. It can be estimated that combination treatments like MP-AzeFlu will become the mainstay of PAR and PER therapy since use will result in better compliance, improved efficacy over INS and a faster response together with good levels of tolerability. The challenge is to find other equally, or more effective, combination treatments, as has been the therapeutic standard in bronchial asthma for decades. The potential of biologics, as well as TLR-agonists and other new treatment options needs to be further evaluated.

Effectiveness of allergic rhinitis treatments in real-life with a focus on MP-AzeFlu

For any allergic rhinitis (AR) treatment, it is crucial to provide evidence not only of efficacy (assessed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) but also of effectiveness in real-life. Observational studies provide valuable data on the use and results associated with interventions prescribed in real-life. However, real-life evidence supporting available AR treatment options is sparse with effectiveness only established for oral antihistamines (desloratadine, ebastine), intranasal corticosteroids (mometasone furoate, fluticasone propionate (FP)), allergen immunotherapy and omalizumab. A novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and FP in a single spray (MP-AzeFlu) shows great promise, with the effectiveness observed in real-life exceeding that noted in RCTs. This review summarises real-life data on MP-AzeFlu, which provides rapid and sustained symptom control irrespective of patient age, AR phenotype or disease severity. We call for high quality real-life research in addition to RCTs to inform future AR treatment guidelines.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION

Allergic rhinitis is a worldwide health problem, currently affecting up to 40% of the general population, and characterized by the following symptoms in a variable degree of severity and duration: nasal congestion/obstruction, rhinorrhea, itchy nose and/or eyes, and/or sneezing. General symptoms like fatigue, reduced quality of sleep, impaired concentration and reduced productivity, if left untreated, may significantly affect quality of life. In addition, of being associated to various comorbidities, allergic rhinitis is also an independent risk factor for the development and worsening of asthma. Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens present around the year.

AREAS COVERED

Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines currently recommend a stepwise therapeutic approach that combines patient education with specific allergen avoidance, symptomatic pharmacotherapy and allergen immunotherapy. The available treatment strategies provide suboptimal symptom relief in patients with moderate-to-severe disease who continue to experience symptoms while treated, even on multiple therapies.

EXPERT OPINION

New insights into current therapy have been provided with the development of new symptomatic drugs with improved pharmacokinetics and safety. However, the ultimate research goal is beyond symptomatic treatment, and is mainly directed at modifying the immune response to allergens and prevent the progression of allergic rhinitis towards asthma. In this direction, promising advances are expected in the fields of allergen immunotherapy and biological drugs, such as omalizumab. Finally, significant research efforts are also focused on the growing number of new specific molecular targets involved in the Th2 pathway inflammation of allergic diseases.

Safety evaluation of MP29-02 (a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate) for allergic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION

As a chronic disease, allergic rhinitis (AR) requires regular use of allergy medications for the effective management of symptoms. It is therefore imperative that AR treatments not only provide adequate symptom control but are also well tolerated.

AREAS COVERED

MP29-02 (Dymista, Meda, Solna, Sweden) is the first new class of AR medication (WHO ATC R01AD58) since the introduction of intranasal corticosteroids (INS) almost 50 years ago. It is a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate delivered in a single spray. Here we review all the safety information relevant to MP29-02, from the initial phase I bioavailability and disposition data, to the phase III 14-day and 52-week data and finally to phase IV safety data collected during MP29-02 use in routine clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

MP29-02 is the first real therapeutic advance in AR since the introduction of INS and has the potential to change the way this disease is managed, simplifying AR treatment regimens to a single puff in each nostril twice a day. Patients will benefit from superior symptom relief MP29-02 compared to INS with the added assurance that the safety of MP29-02 has been confirmed in the short term and long term as well as in real life.