Extract Modifications and Adjuvants for specific Immunotherapy

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) with allergens, used in the treatment of IgE-mediated allergy since its introduction in 1911, is the only treatment for allergological disease that leads to a long-lasting symptom relief. The efficacy of SIT depends on the cumulative allergen dose administered over time and on the peak dose given for maintenance therapy. The magnitude of the peak dose of unmodified native allergen extracts is limited by the risk of IgE-mediated adverse events. Patients will be put off by a large number of injections, they would prefer the lowest number of injections possible. Novel developments of SIT intend to provide higher efficacy, a lower incidence of adverse events, and increased patient acceptance.