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HERE’S something not to be sneezed at. A vaccine against grass pollen, which can cause hay fever, has been shown as safe and effective in a trial of 180 patients. If larger trials are a success, a vaccine could be available within four years.

Hay fever is caused by the immune system’s immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies reacting excessively to pollen. Therapy to prevent this reaction typically builds up immunity by injecting regular small doses of pollen over several years.

To offer faster relief, Biomay, a firm in Vienna, Austria, has developed a shot that combines part of a pollen molecule with a hepatitis B protein. The IgE antibodies still get activated, but the protein mobilises other antibodies, which block the IgE ones. This prevents an excessive immune response. Just four injections over a few months should be required, says Angela Neubauer of .

Another hay fever vaccine, made by in Worthing, UK, is about to re-enter trials after research was put on hold for five years while severe side effects in one patient were investigated.

This article appeared in print under the headline “Quick injections blow hay fever away”