Allergic Rhinitis (AR) Is Sub-Optimally Controlled: The Need For a More Effective Treatment Option

Abstract

AR remains sub-optimally controlled. Our aim was to (i) use patient survey data to explore the unmet need in AR, and (ii) show how a new treatment option (MP29-02; Dymista), a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and fluticasone propionate (FP) in an advanced delivery system can fill this need. AR symptomatology and medication usage data were collected from 746 moderate/severe seasonal AR (SAR) patients who completed a healthcare utilization survey in the UK. The patient characteristics mimicked those of patients in the MP29-02 clinical trials. The clinical efficacy of MP29-02 was compared to commercially available AZE or FP nasal sprays and placebo in a 14-day randomized controlled trial including 610 SAR patients. Time to response was assessed post-hoc. A ≥30% to ≥90% change from baseline in reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) defined response. 96.2% of patients surveyed were on AR medication; 70.5% taking ≥2 medications. These patients remained symptomatic with a mean rTNSS of 12.8 (range 0-24) and a mean rTOSS of 8.6 (range 0-18). Clinical trial data in a matched population showed that more MP29-02-patients achieved ≥30%, ≥50%, ≥60%, ≥75% and ≥90% rTNSS-reduction, and days faster than either active comparator. FP did not differ from placebo in providing a ≥60% rTNSS reduction. AR is often poorly controlled with current therapies (even multiple therapies). Intranasal corticosteroids fail to provide sufficient symptom control in many patients. Treatment with MP29-02 addresses this unmet medical need as it provides faster and more complete symptom control than FP.