Aqueous Native Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Product
Alleraq is a North American-developed aqueous native subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) product for the treatment of environmental allergies such as dust mites and grass pollens. As a native extract, it retains full allergen potency, offering the potential for maximal desensitisation under clinical supervision.
Overview
Alleraq is administered in clinic under controlled protocols, including build-up and maintenance phases, providing structured desensitisation for patients with confirmed IgE-mediated allergies.
Safety Profile
Being a native extract, Alleraq carries a higher risk of local and systemic allergic reactions compared with allergoid products. Common side effects include:
Common side effects include:
Mild local swelling or redness at the injection site
Temporary itching or discomfort
Rare systemic reactions, managed with standard emergency procedures in the clinic
Effectiveness
Alleraq has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing allergic symptoms and medication use.
Clinical improvements generally become apparent over several months, with maximum benefit typically achieved over a 3–5 year treatment course.
3–5 year treatment course
Treatment options
Single allergen therapy
Single allergen therapy:
Focused desensitisation for specific allergens such as dust mites or grass pollen.
Multi-allergen therapy
Multi-allergen therapy:
Possible with careful clinical planning due to higher reaction risk.
Both TGA-registered and non-registered options exist.
Clinics must inform patients that all options are privately funded in Australia, with total treatment costs varying from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
Administered via subcutaneous injection in clinic
Initial build-up phase with gradual dose increases
Maintenance phase involves less frequent injections for sustained desensitisation
Requires patient monitoring for potential adverse reactions
Patient Suitability
Alleraq may be appropriate for patients who:
Have confirmed IgE-mediated grass pollen or dust mite allergy
Seek maximal potential desensitisation
Can attend regular clinic-based injections
Understand and accept the higher risk profile of native extracts
Australian Context
Not PBS-subsidised; treatment is privately funded
Conclusion
Alleraq provides a high-potency aqueous native SCIT option for patients seeking maximal desensitisation to environmental allergens.
Careful clinic-based administration ensures safety while delivering potential long-term improvements in allergic symptoms.
