Allergen vaccines are complex mixtures of antigenic components produced by the extraction of naturally occurring source materials, which are known to vary considerably in composition. Without intervention, this variation will be reflected in the final products.
The purpose of standardization is to minimize both qualitative and quantitative variations in composition so that a higher level of safety, efficacy, accuracy, and simplicity in allergy diagnosis and allergy vaccination may be obtained. Standardization of allergen vaccines can never be absolute, but it can be improved progressively as new methodologies and technologies are developed and the understanding of the properties of the allergens and the immune responses of allergic patients is increased. (more…)
