A new class of treatment for allergic rhinitis
MYLAN, one of the world’s leading global pharmaceutical companies announced the launch of Dymista, a new class of treatment for Allergic Rhinitis (AR) in Malaysia. Its two main active ingredients – Azelastine Hydrochloride and Fluticasone propionate provide significant relief to AR patients with moderate to severe symptoms of the nose, eyes and underlying inflammation in just a single spray.(1)
At the conference, Malaysian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists Head and Neck Surgeons (MSOHNS) president, Dr Kong Min Han along with Ear, Nose, Throat Surgeon consultant, Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh and University of Aberdeen Primary Care Respiratory Medicine representative, Prof David Price shared insights on AR, current treatment availability in the market and among the latest treatment options in controlling AR symptoms.
A chronic respiratory disease caused by an allergen, AR often triggers nasal AR symptoms as well as ocular AR symptoms.
Recent studies have also shown a significant association between asthma and AR.
It is reported that up to 28.8% of the AR patients in Malaysia are concurrent asthmatic sufferers.(2)
It has further been proven that AR patients who sought treatment with Dymista achieved a 100% reduction of the reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS) in a shorter period compared to the current available treatment.
Country manager of Mylan in Malaysia, Shaun Lau said, “The launch of Dymista is a major milestone in providing AR patients access to this novel drug in line with our mission to provide the world's seven billion people access to high-quality medicine.”
Dr Kong said, “Majority of patients experience nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose and nasal blockage, which affect their quality of life. Ocular symptoms remain widely neglected, while they concern most patients with AR and have been shown to impair daily activities. About 43.3% of AR patients suffer sleep disturbance.
The symptom burden of AR is high in Malaysia and as such, a prescription that tackles these symptoms is necessary.”
Datuk Dr Kuljit stated, “The AR treatment arsenal has remained static over the years with its focus only on mono-therapy developments, which do not result in substantial symptomatic control.
For instance, many patients have reported dissatisfaction with intranasal steroid sprays due to its slow onset of action and breakthrough symptoms.”
He added that while most patients have resorted to multiple therapies, they continue to experience symptoms of AR.
Recommended in the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines, Dymista is suitable for individuals suffering from AR due to its fast onset of action.(4)
Using Dymista, AR patients with moderate to severe symptoms can experience immediate relief in as fast as five minutes,(5) – twice as effective as the current available treatment(1) (ie, intranasal steroid spray).
This new formulation of antihistamine and corticosteroid targets all nasal and ocular symptoms to provide patients a significantly better symptomatic relief of AR (1),” pointed out Prof Price.
The Dymista nasal spray is indicated for adults and children 12 years and above who suffer from AR. The Dymista nasal spray is suitable for long-term use and is recommended to use one spray per nostril twice daily.
(3)
It can be obtained upon consultation from specialists or general practitioners.
About Mylan
Mylan is a global pharmaceutical company committed to setting new standards in healthcare. Working together around the world to provide seven billion people access to high-quality medicine, every member of its workforce is dedicated to creating better health for a better world, one person at a time.
Learn more at mylan.com
KKLIU No.2469/2018
References
Meltzer E et al. Int Arch Allergy (1)
Immunol. 2013
Asha'ari ZA, Yusof S, Ismail R,
(2)
Che Hussin CM. Clinical features of allergic rhinitis and skin prick test analysis based on the ARIA classification: a preliminary study in Malaysia. Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2010; 39(8):619-24.
Price et al, JIACI 2013
(3)
Brozek JL et al. J Allergy Clin
(4)
Immunol. 2017
Bousquet J et al. J Allergy Clin
(5)
Immunol Pract. 2018.