FDA Approves Grass Pollen Allergy Drug Grastek

The FDA has approved Merck & Co's new drug Grastek for the treatment of grass pollen allergies for patients age 5 to 65.  Grastek is an immunotherapy treatment designed to boost the immune system and make it less sensitive to allergens.  The FDA advisory committee that unanimously recommended approval of the drug also called for post-approval studies in children, citing side effects such as lip swelling, throat irritation and oral blistering.  The drug has been available in Europe since 2006 under the name Grazax.
[1] Reuters, "Merck's grass pollen allergy drug wins U.S. approval," April 14, 2014.

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