Study of Specific Allergen Immunotherapy in Grass Pollen Allergic Subjects by Epicutaneous Allergen Administration

Inclusion criteria:

• Written informed consent
• History of grass pollen allergic rhinitis
• Male and female between 18 years to 65 years
• Positive skin-prick test to grass pollen
• Positive conjunctival provocation test

Exclusion criteria:

• Eczematous skin lesions on the upper arms
• Perennial allergic rhinitis
• Symptoms of infectious disease with rhinitis in between the last 2 weeks
• Surgical intervention in between the last 30 days
• Pregnancy or nursing
• History of HIV or AIDS
• History of mastocytosis (cutaneous or systemic)
• History of significant cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension (blood pressure > 160 / 95)
• History of significant pulmonary, renal and/or hepatic disease
• History of significant hematological disorder
• Moderate or severe asthma
• History of malignancy
• History of neurological or psychiatric disease
• History of autoimmune disease
• Antihistamines with longed half-lives in the last week
• Systemic or topical steroids for 5 days
• Active infectious disease

• Contraindicated medications:

  • immunosuppressive agents
  • Betablockers
  • ACE-inhibitors, AT 2 Antagonists
  • tricyclic antidepressants
  • daily use of Beta-agonists or steroid inhalers
• Participation in another clinical trial /study at the moment or within the last 60 days