Modulation of allergen-induced nasal symptoms and mediator release by treatment with N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (ZY15106)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the new anti-allergic drug, N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (ZY15106), on allergen-induced nasal symptoms and mediator release. Fifteen outpatients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen were included in the study. A nasal antigen challenge followed by evaluation of symptoms was performed in basal conditions. Ten of the 15 patients underwent sequential nasal lavages in order to evaluate allergen-induced mediator release. The study was performed in winter, when the patients were symptom free, and was a randomized single-blind crossover trial of a 6 % solution of ZY15106 (daily dosage: 48 mg) versus placebo (lactose). The drug and the placebo were administered intranasally q.i.d. for 1 week, with a 2-week interval between the two treatments. Treatment with ZY15106, but not with placebo, caused a significant reduction in nasal obstruction in the first 30 min after challenge and at 60 min and itching in the first 10 min after challenge, but did not reduce sneezing and rhinorrhoea. Moreover, ZY15106 significantly reduced the histamine release in 5 min postchallenge lavage (4.5 ng·ml^–1 after placebo administration vs 2.5 ng·ml^–1, after treatment with ZY15106). A reduction in immunoreactive LTC₄ release in the 5 and 10 min post-challenge lavages was observed after ZY15106 administration (placebo vs active treatment: at 5 min 2.9 ng·ml^–1 vs 1.4 ng·ml^–1; at 10 min: 2.25 ng·ml^–1 vs 0.9 ng·ml^–1). These results indicate that 1-week treatment with ZY15106 can reduce antigen-induced nasal obstruction and itching, and mediator release in human nasal airways. The clinical activity of ZY15106 in the treatment of allergic rhinitis may be related to its ability to inhibit mediator release.