Allergen immunotherapy: What does the future hold?

Abstract

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), the only known causal therapy for allergies is globally being used in the following formulations – subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), and allergoids. In India, AIT has been used for approximately 50 years, with aqueous extract based SCIT being the conventionally accepted treatment modality. Limitations of the current formulations of the native extracts utilized for SCIT and SLIT have led to increased research on innovative formulations for AIT. In the recent years, a lot of research is being conducted and primarily focuses on reducing the number of AIT doses to achieve efficacy, improving safety and compliance, and utilizing AIT for newer indications. We need to keep abreast with the latest developments in the field of AIT and would look forward to these advancements being available and improve patient care and outcomes.