FDA OKs Merck’s allergen extract to treat house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis

The FDA approves Merck’s Odactra, the first allergen extract that is administered sublingually to treat house dust mite-induced nasal inflammation , with or without eye inflammation in people between the ages of 18 and 65. Odactra, a once-daily tablet that rapidly dissolves under the tongue, exposes patients to house dust mite allergens with the aim of gradually training the immune system to reduce the frequency and severity of nasal and eye allergy symptoms. It is taken year-round.