assignment
Not Yet Recruiting

Evaluation of Optimal Dosing of Beltavac with Polymerized Grass Pollen Extract in Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis with or without Asthma

Trial ID
2023-510033-28-00
Protocol
PRO RCT GRAM 2022

Trial statistics

science
4
test molecules
location_city
16
research sites
public
2
countries
medical_information
1
disease
person_search
19
investigators

Diseases & Conditions

Objectives

The primary objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is to establish the optimal therapeutic dose of **Beltavac®**, a polymerized extract of grass pollen mixture, administered in a rush regimen for the treatment of **allergic rhinoconjunctivitis**. This objective is clinically relevant as determining the optimal dose can enhance treatment efficacy and safety for patients suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing the burden of symptoms.

Secondary objectives include assessing the impact of the treatment on allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and medication intake during the pollen season. These evaluations are crucial for understanding the broader effects of the treatment on patient well-being and daily functioning, as well as its potential to reduce reliance on additional medications.

Participants

The clinical trial involves participants diagnosed with **allergic rhinoconjunctivitis** due to exposure to grass pollen. The study population includes both male and female subjects, aged between 18 and 65 years, who are in good physical and mental health. Participants are required to have normal renal and liver function, with any deviations being non-clinically significant. The trial does not involve a vulnerable population. Participants were selected based on their medical history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and moderate to severe rhinitis for at least the previous two pollen seasons, as well as a confirmed diagnosis of controlled asthma, if applicable. They must also have a positive skin prick test and specific IgE against grass pollen allergens. The sponsor has not provided information regarding the total number of participants. Lifestyle considerations include the willingness and ability to complete a PROGRASS Diary Patient App during the pollen season. Key inclusion criteria involve a negative pregnancy test for females of childbearing potential and the use of effective contraception methods. The trial aims to establish the optimal therapeutic dose of Beltavac® for treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Plans and Procedures

The clinical trial is designed as a **randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled** study to evaluate the optimal dose of Beltavac® with a polymerized extract of grass pollen mixture in patients with **allergic rhinoconjunctivitis** associated or not with asthma. The trial will span approximately 24 months, with an estimated recruitment start date of August 1, 2024, and an estimated end date of August 30, 2025. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment or a placebo, both administered via subcutaneous injection. The primary objective is to establish the optimal therapeutic dose of Beltavac® for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

The sequence of study visits includes an initial screening visit, where eligibility criteria such as age, health status, and confirmed diagnosis of grass pollen allergy will be assessed. Participants must provide informed consent and meet specific inclusion criteria, including a negative pregnancy test for females of childbearing potential. Following the screening, eligible participants will undergo randomization and begin the treatment phase. Follow-up visits will occur at regular intervals to monitor safety, efficacy, and any adverse events. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients whose reactivity to the Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT) with grass extract decreases between baseline and visit 7. Secondary endpoints include combined nasal and conjunctival symptoms and rescue medication scores obtained during the peak pollen season.

The expected length of participant involvement is up to 24 months, with conditions for early termination including withdrawal of consent, significant protocol deviations, or adverse events that compromise participant safety. The study will ensure that all procedures adhere to ethical standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining the integrity and scientific validity of the trial.

Treatment

The clinical trial involves the administration of **BELTAVAC polymerized grass mix**, which is a **suspension for injection**. This experimental medication contains an **allergenic extract of grass pollen mixture** from Dactylis glomerata, Festuca pratensis, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, and Poa pratensis in equal parts, polymerized to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. The pharmaceutical form is a suspension for injection, and it is administered via **subcutaneous injection**. The maximum daily dose is 0.5 ml, with a total maximum dose of 0.5 ml over a treatment period of 24 weeks. The product is not a pediatric formulation and is used as part of an **immunotherapy** regimen. Participant compliance is monitored through regular dosing schedules and follow-up visits.

The trial also includes a **placebo** group, where participants receive a **solution for injection** that is chemically inert. The placebo is administered via **subcutaneous injection** as well, with a maximum treatment period of 24 weeks. The placebo is used to maintain the double-blind nature of the study, ensuring that neither the participants nor the investigators know which treatment is being administered, thus eliminating bias in the assessment of the experimental medication's efficacy.

Additionally, the study employs **conjunctival provocation and Beltapricks-tests** as auxiliary procedures to assess allergic responses. These tests are categorized under **tests for allergic diseases** and are used locally. The maximum daily dose for these tests is 5 AU/ml, with a total maximum dose of 5 AU/ml over a treatment period of 3 weeks. These tests are integral to the study as they provide objective measures of the participants' allergic reactions, complementing the subjective assessments of symptom relief.

Efficacy

Efficacy in this clinical trial will be assessed through both primary and secondary endpoints. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients whose reactivity to the **Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT)** with grass extract decreases between baseline and visit 7. This is defined as the titrated 10-fold step allergen concentration required to develop a positive response being at least one dose higher. Secondary endpoints include the combined nasal and conjunctival symptoms and rescue medication score (CSMS) obtained during the peak pollen season through the Diary patient App, as well as the nasal and conjunctival symptoms score and rhinoconjunctivitis daily medication score, both also obtained during the peak pollen season through the Diary patient App.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

check_circle

Inclusion Criteria

  • Signed and dated Informed Consent Form a. by a legally competent participant, 2. Patients (males or females) aged from 18 to 65 years,Being in good physical and mental health, 4. Confirmed normal renal and liver function, including non-clinically significant deviations outside the reference ranges (< grade 2 according to the FDA Guidance for Industry for preventive Vaccine Trials [FDA 2007] at screening visit. Participants with laboratory values > grade 1 will require retesting. Upon normalization of the out-of-range value(s), the participant will be eligible), 5. Females with childbearing potential (a woman is considered of childbearing potential [WOCBP] according to the CTFG, if she is i.e., fertile, following menarche and until becoming postmenopausal unless becoming permanently sterile. Permanent sterilization methods include hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy and bilateral oophorectomy) must be willing to use a highly effective method of contraception: a. Oral, intravaginal or transdermal hormonal medical drugs or -devices containing oestrogen/progesterone combinations. b. Oral, injectable or implantable hormonal medical drugs or -devices containing progesterone-only. c. Intrauterine device (IUD); d. Intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS) e. Bilateral tubal occlusion f. Vasectomized partner (provided that partner is the sole sexual partner of the WOCB trial participant and that the vasectomized partner has received medical assessment of the surgical success) g. Barrier methods of contraception: Condom or Occlusive cap (diaphragm or cervical/vault caps) with spermicidal foam/gel/film/cream/suppository It should always be supplemented with the use of a spermicide. h. Sexual abstinence (Defined as refraining from heterosexual intercourse during the entire period of risk associated with the study treatments. The reliability of sexual abstinence needs to be evaluated in relation to the duration of the clinical trial and the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant). or females unable to bear children (i.e., pre-menarche, tubal ligation, hysterectomy, or post-menopausal (a postmenopausal state is defined as no menses for 12 months without an alternative medical cause.),
  • Female participants with childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test in serum at visit 1 (before randomization), 7. Having the diagnosis of grass pollen allergy based on all the following criteria: a. A medical history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis for grass pollen allergens for at least the previous two pollen seasons, b. A medical history of moderate to severe rhinitis for grass pollen allergens for at least the previous two pollen seasons (definition of allergy severity according to ARIA, see Figureg. Being treated with anti-allergic medication for at least the previous pollen season prior to enrolment. 8. For asthmatic participants: confirmed diagnosis of controlled asthma during the treatment period according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines (steps 1-3, GINA 2023), 9. FEV1 ≥80% of the participant’s reference value or Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) ≥80% of the participants´ individual optimal value (for asthmatic participants only), 10. Willingness and ability to complete a PROGRASS Diary Patient App during the pollen season. 2, c. A positive skin prick test (Beltaprick Test®, SPT - wheal diameter ≥3 mm) to grass pollen allergens, positive control (histamine) wheal ≥3 mm, negative control (NaCl) wheal <2 mm, d. Specific IgE against grass pollen allergens in serum (minimum CAP class 3 or higher, ≥3.5 kU/L), e. Phl p1 and/or Phl p5 specific IgE in serum ≥ 3,5 kU/l, f. A positive CPT at the visit 1, meaning a Total Symptom Score (TSS) ≥ 5 (adjusted with respect to the reference eye),
cancel

Exclusion Criteria

  • Simultaneous participation in other clinical trials or previous participation within 30 days before inclusion, 2. Previous immunotherapy with grass pollen allergens within the last 5 years, 3. Ongoing immunotherapy with grass pollen allergens or any other allergens, 4. Participants with acute allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis due to other environmental allergens during the study period, 5. Participants with a sensitization to other environmental allergens (i.e., other pollens, house dust mites, cat dander, dog dander or other perennial antigens) when they present relevant symptoms that can interferes with grasses pollen season or the CPT performance, 6. Being in any relationship or dependence with the Sponsor, CRO and/or Investigator, 7. Inability to understand instructions/study documents, 8. Participants who do not have access to a smartphone/tablet (iOS or Android, in exceptional cases, a paper diary may be issued if installation on the mobile device is not technically possible), 9. History of severe systemic reactions and/or anaphylaxis, including to food (e.g., peanut, marine animals) or to Hymenoptera venom (e.g., bee, wasp stings) or to medication (e.g., penicillin), etc., 10. History of hypersensitivity to the excipients of the investigational product or placebo, 11. Mild persistent to severe persistent asthma partly controlled or uncontrolled asthma according to GINA guidelines (GINA 2023, (26)) 12. Chronic asthma or emphysema,particularly with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) <80% of the participant’s reference value (ECSC) or Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) <80% of the participants’ individual optimal value, 13. History of a respiratory tract infection and/or exacerbation of asthma within 2 weeks before the screening, 14. History of significant renal disease or chronic hepatic disease, 15. Malignant active disease (ongoing or within the five past years), 16. Severe autoimmune disease, 17. Immune defects including immunosuppression, immunopathies, 18. Vaccination during the entire treatment period, except flu and SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, 19. Use of systemic immunosuppressive medications (e.g., methotrexate or cyclosporine A) or blood transfusion from one month before screening until the end of the trial,20. General inflammatory, severe acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, 21. Other chronic diseases such as severe congestive heart failure, cardiovascular insufficiency, active gastric ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, etc. 22. Intake of antidepressant drugs with potent antihistamine properties such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., doxepin, amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, etc.), 23. Administration or planned administration of anti-IgE antibodies, mast cell stabilizers or anti-leukotriene agents, 24. Intake of beta-blockers, 25. Active tuberculosis, 26. Having any contraindication for the use of adrenaline (including hyperthyroidism), 27. Known positive serology to Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1/2, Hepatitis B Virus or Hepatitis C Virus, 28. Females who are pregnant, lactating, or of child-bearing potential and not using a highly effective contraceptive method, 29. Administration of corticosteroids (systemic or nasal) or of anti-histaminic drugs before the screening visit (V0), as defined in the Table 6: Waiting period for screening; exception made for routine (previously prescribed) control medication for asthmatic participants,
  • Clinically relevant laboratory values, i.e., grade ≥2 according to the FDA Guidance for Industry for preventive Vaccine Trials (FDA 2007) at screening visit (Participants with laboratory values > grade 1 will require retesting. Upon normalization of the out-of-range value(s), participant will be eligible), 31. Participants for who the Investigator believes will not comply with the study protocol (participants with known alcohol or drug abuse or with a history of a serious psychiatric disorder as well as participants unwilling to give informed consent or to abide by the requirements of the protocol). 32. Participants who are committed to an institution by virtue of an order issued either by the judicial or the administrative authorities. 33. Ocular disorders, such as inflammation/infection of the conjunctiva, cornea, or iris and in case of severe dry eye syndrome. 34. Any type of eye surgery in the last 6 months. 35. Ocular surface diseases in which IgE-mediated hypersensitivity is not involved: Sjögren’s syndrome, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, urban ocular allergy syndrome, dry eye syndrome, giant papillary conjunctivitis after intolerance to contact lenses or foreign bodies.

Trial Status by Country

Country Status Start of Recruitment Planned Patients
Poland PolandNot Yet Recruiting01 Aug 2024100
Spain SpainNot Yet Recruiting01 Aug 202450

Sites & Investigators

Investigational Products

Details about the medicinal products being studied in this clinical trial.

Product Name Role in Trial Formulation Administration Max Daily Dose Treatment Duration EU MP Number
PLACEBO
PlaceboSUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION024SUB21402
BELTAVAC polymerized grass mix
TestSUSPENSION FOR INJECTIONSUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION0.524PRD11165325
BELTAVAC polymerized grass mix
TestSUSPENSION FOR INJECTIONSUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION0.524PRD11165324
-
OtherPHF00024MIGLOCAL USE53V04CL

Conditions Studied in This Trial

Interventions Studied in This Trial

vaccines
Allergenic Extract Of Grass Pollen Mixture: Dactylis Glomerata, Festuca Pratensis, Lolium Perenne, Phleum Pratense And Poa Pratensis (1:1:1:1:1), Polymerised
2 trials

Also investigated for