MP-AzeFlu Effective in Real-Life Allergic Rhinitis Control

A new drug, MP-AzeFlu, proved to be effective and fast in controlling the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) in a recent study spanning six countries in Europe. The study was conducted by Ludger Klimek, MD, PhD, of the Center for Rhinology and Allergology in Wiesbaden, Germany, and colleagues, and was published in the September/October 2016 edition of Allergy and Asthma Proceedings.

“The aim of the present real-life study was to assess the effectiveness of MP-AzeFlu on achieving AR control in routine clinical practice across Europe,” say the authors. AR is the most common chronic condition in Europe, and few new treatment options have been introduced in the many years.

According to the researchers, MP-AzeFlu “comprises an intranasal antihistamine (azelastine hydrochloride), and INS [intranasal corticosteroid](fluticasone propionate), and a novel formulation in a single spray.” Random controlled trials (RTCs) had previously shown MP-AzeFlu to be effective, but the researchers note, “it is increasingly recognized that conclusions drawn from classic clinical trials are not always useful aids for decision-making.”

To counter this, the researchers wanted to conduct a study in realistic settings. There were 383 participating physicians from six countries, with a total of 2988 patients. While there were 35 adverse events reported by 20 patients, none were considered serious, but 11 patients discontinued treatment.

The researchers report that the results of this study “confirmed the rapid and sustained effectiveness of MP-AzeFlu under conditions of routine care around Europe.” The results are valuable because, as the authors point out, they “the level of clinical care in real-life studies is closer to that of everyday practice than in RCTs,” adding, “results from the current study, therefore, were those that one might expect to achieve in routine care.”

“MP-AzeFlu was associated with effective and rapid symptom control in a real-life setting of patients throughout Europe,” say the authors. Results were consistent regardless of phenotype, severity, or patient age.

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