This review article looked at clinical trials to explore allergen immunotherapy (AIT) as a treatment option to both improve allergic asthma symptoms and to prevent the onset and worsening of the condition. While conventional pharmacotherapy aims to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations, it does not meet the needs of patients with severe asthma, leading to the development of biological therapies targeting the inflammatory pathways in type 2 asthma. These biologics, while effective, do not offer a complete cure.
Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a promising treatment for allergic asthma as it directly targets the underlying cause of the disease. AIT has shown long-term benefits in both the prevention and treatment of allergic asthma, with studies indicating its ability to prevent asthma development in patients with allergic rhinitis and slow the progression of the disease in established asthma cases. When combined with biological therapies, AIT could enhance asthma control and reduce the dependency on conventional medications, potentially leading to earlier discontinuation of biologics, thus reducing healthcare costs. Despite promising results, more research and standardization of treatment regimens are needed to fully establish the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of combining AIT with biologic therapies in asthma management.
Reference: Batard T, Taillé C, Guilleminault L, et al. Allergen Immunotherapy for the Prevention and Treatment of Asthma. Clin Exp Allergy. 2025 Feb;55(2):111-141. doi: 10.1111/cea.14575. Epub 2024 Oct 4. PMID: 39363801; PMCID: PMC11791393.
