Depigmented, Polymerized Cat Epithelium Extract Is Safe and Improves Rhinitis and Asthma Symptoms in Cat-Allergic Patients: A Real-World Retrospective Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to cat allergens is often difficult to avoid. Here, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of a depigmented, polymerized cat epithelium extract (Dpg-pol-cat) for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma.

Methods: Real-world, retrospective study of patients ≥12 years of age with cat allergy and moderate to severe allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, with or without asthma, who started allergen immunotherapy (AIT) with Dpg-pol-cat extract during routine visits to the Allergy Department. Safety and effectiveness (improvement in FEV1) of AIT were evaluated. The use of rescue medication and patient perceptions were also assessed.

Results: A total of 62 patients were included, of whom 34 (54.8%) received AIT for at least 12 months. There were 15 adverse events, 8 local and 7 systemic, of which 3 led to discontinuation of AIT. Patients with moderate to severe rhinitis decreased from 88.2% at baseline to 29.4% at 12 months (p < 0.0001) and patients with moderate asthma decreased from 76.5% to 38.2% (p = 0.0004). FEV1 improved from a mean (standard deviation) of 3,188.9 (771.4) mL to 3,419.6 (878.4) mL (p = 0.0023). The use of rescue medication for rhinitis decreased from 94.1% to 23.5% (p < 0.0001). All patients requiring rescue medication for conjunctivitis (20.6%) were off medication at 12 months, and 97.1% and 92.6% of patients reported improvement in rhinitis and asthma symptoms, respectively.

Conclusion: AIT with Dpg-pol-cat extract shows a favorable safety and effectiveness profile in patients with allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis due to cat allergy, with or without allergic asthma, representing a valuable treatment option for these patients.