The demand for antigens has been growing over fast few years as evident from rapid proliferation of allergy treatment clinic in various parts of the country. There are about 120 such antigens have been developed for which the knowhow is ready for transfer. Manufacture, marketing and application of these antigens are done as per the guidelines as stipulated by Drugs Controller of India.

PROCESS

The antigens are prepared from various kinds of substances which are itself the causative agent for a particular allergy. These are pollens, insects, fungi, danders, feathers, food etc. After [re[aratopm they are preserved at a very low temp (4o C) and tested (skin) before substances based on which antigens are available.

ANTIGENS FOR THERAPEUTIC USE

Hyposensitization should be instituted only with substances incriminated as causative agents after a careful consideration of history and other diagnostic tests. Simultanteouly inclusion of too many allergens in the injection programme should be avoided. The best results are obtained with injections of single allergen at a time. In any case, it is not advisable to mix together more than three unrelated allergens selected for hypo sensitization should be preserved in proportion to their importance as judged from the clinical history of attacks coinciding with prevalence of allergens in the patients environments. The total volume of the prescribed allergens should not exceed five milliliters which is the maximum volume dispensed in a single trial. In cases of seasonal allergy, dose of allergen included in the therapy, may be reduced during the peak season, if necessary.