Why carry out the study?

There has been a progressive rise in allergic rhinitis cases in China with a growth rate of 6.5% between 2006 and 2011.

Azelastine HCl (AZE) nasal spray and fluticasone propionate (FLU) nasal spray are both marketed in China. However, the fixed-dose combination of AZE and FLU is not yet approved in China.

MP-AzeFlu Nasal Spray consists of azelastine HCl and fluticasone propionate, which are provided in a unique formulation.

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MP-AzeFlu nasal spray in comparison to currently available first-line commercially available AR treatments azelastine (AZE) and fluticasone (FLU) nasal sprays in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis/rhino conjunctivitis (AR).

What was learned from the study?

Results of this study confirmed the superior efficacy and the similar safety profile of MP-AzeFlu nasal spray compared to AZE or FLU in Chinese patients.

Sub-group analyses showed that MP-AzeFlu was effective in reducing nasal and ocular symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and the effect was superior to that of FLU and AZE.

There was no increase in frequency of dysgeusia under MP-AzeFlu treatment in Chinese patients compared with previous clinical experiences outside of China.