GSK launches new treatment for allergic rhinitis

MANILA, Philippines – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the availability in the Philippines of its new intranasal steroid (INS) fluticasone furoate for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).

As approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), the nasal spray is indicated for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in adults and children aged two and older.

AR is a highly prevalent, global disease which has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

A recent survey highlighted that over 70 percent of patients suffering from AR experience both eye and nasal-related symptoms, which are among their most bothersome symptoms, although currently available AR treatments do not fully address both.

Symptoms resulting from AR can also have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, including impairment of daily activities and interruption of sleep.

Clinical studies in more than 2,900 adults and children show the efficacy of fluticasone furoate in relieving overall nasal allergy symptoms, which included nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose and runny nose in AR patients aged two and older.

In addition, it is the first prescription nasal steroid spray to demonstrate consistent and significant improvement in relieving overall allergic eye symptoms, which included red, itchy and watery eyes in patients with seasonal allergies aged 12 and older in three prospectively designed studies. In all studies, fluticasone furoate sustained its effectiveness for a full 24 hours.

A 2008 Medical Design Excellence Gold Award winner, the once-daily treatment is delivered in a unique, ergonomically designed device that was developed with the allergy patient in mind. 

Its side-actuated mist release button releases a gentle, scent and taste-free mist with a low volume of spray which means patients are less likely to experience a bitter taste or the effects of drip down the back of the throat or out of the nose. 

It delivers the same amount of medicine every time so patients know they are getting the full dose that their doctor has prescribed. The device has a small nozzle designed to increase comfort and fit more easily into the nose and a viewing window allows patients to see how much medicine is left in the device.

“GSK is proud to continue its long tradition of discovering innovative respiratory medicine with the launch of this new and patient-friendly allergic rhinitis treatment,” said Daisy Cembrano of GSK Philippines’ Public Affairs.

“We hope to help more Filipino patients get the relief they need from this disease, which poses significant burden on their quality of life,” she added. 

Fluticasone furoate is a prescription medicine available in leading drugstores nationwide. Priced at around 30 percent lower than leading INS brands, it is the latest addition to the portfolio of GSK’s globally trusted treatments that are now affordable to more Filipinos after the company announced a pioneering 30-50 percent price reduction on most of its major brands.

GSK’s more affordable medicines include its cervical cancer vaccine and treatments for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergy, pneumonia and other bacterial infections, ulcer, bronchitis, nausea and vomiting.

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an inflammatory reaction of the nasal passages to allergens, which causes clogged nose, irritated eyes, and even runny nose. Sneezing and itching may also be present.

These symptoms occur when the body’s immune system reacts defensively to harmful allergens that are usually present in certain types of pollen, dust, and animal dander (tiny flakes of skin from animals).

Seasonal AR, triggered by pollens, occurs during certain seasons and lasts a few weeks to a few months. Perennial AR, triggered by constant exposure to year round allergens or infoor allergens such as dust mites, animal dander and mold, occurs year-round.