Stallergenes Immunotherapy

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Stallergenes Immunotherapy allergen extract shortages in Australia and New Zealand will impact on treatment of allergic patients

Allergen immunotherapy (commonly known as “desensitisation”) is used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma, and to reduce the risk of dangerous allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings (anaphylaxis). It involves regular administration of the substance to which the patient is allergic (allergen extracts). Since there are no Australian or New Zealand producers, these extracts are imported from overseas pharmaceutical companies, predominantly from Stallergenes in France and distributed by their local subsidiary. Stallergenes has encountered problems with allergen manufacture, labelling and supply during 2015, affecting supplies used for immunotherapy in Australia and New Zealand. Originally thought to last 1-2 months, shortages are now extending into 2016, with no date of resupply and almost no allergen extracts available from Stallergenes in Australia/New Zealand. As of 12 January 2016, shortages have forced many patients to stop their treatment and will impact increasing numbers of patients as the shortage continues. Since the safety of immunotherapy depends on regular allergen administration, treatment interruptions may necessitate patients re-starting from the beginning. Stallergenes has informed ASCIA that importation of bee and wasp venom extracts from North America is due to commence late January 2016. These venom extracts are from the same manufacturer as those currently available, and hence will be interchangeable with current venom products, although issues surrounding PBS subsidy in Australia are yet to be finalized.