short ragweed extract + timothy grass extract

Short ragweed extract + timothy grass extract is a combination sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) regimen co-developed by Merck & Co. and ALK-Abelló for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis. The regimen consists of two distinct biologics: a short ragweed pollen allergen extract (MK-3641, brand name RAGWITEK) and a timothy grass pollen allergen extract (MK-7243, brand name GRASTEK). These treatments work by inducing immunological tolerance through repeated exposure to specific allergens, shifting the immune response from a Th2-mediated IgE hypersensitivity toward a Th1/Treg-mediated response characterized by increased allergen-specific IgG4. The combination has been evaluated for safety and tolerability when co-administered to patients sensitized to both ragweed and grass pollens, particularly in clinical trials such as NCT02256553.

Other names

short ragweed pollen allergen extracttimothy grass pollen allergen extractAmbrosia artemisiifolia extractPhleum pratense extract