Formulation and Characterization of Orally Dissolving Thin Films containing the German cockroach Blatella germanica (Bla g 2) Allergen

Allergy and asthma are among the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Cockroach allergy is an important contributor to asthma morbidity, with a prevalence of 17 to 41%. Immunotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for other allergies that contribute to asthma, but several factors have limited its use for cockroach allergy. In this work, a sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) formulation of orally dissolving thin film has been developed for the treatment of hypersensitivity to the German cockroach Bla g 2 allergen. The formulation allows for the incorporation of up to 25 μg/film of the allergen protein, and the film's mucoadhesiveness prolongs the effect of the allergen with the potential for enhanced efficacy. The potency and dose uniformity of the SLIT formulation were characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and other physicochemical properties were evaluated by spectroscopic or mechanistic methods. The films were uniform in weight and thickness, and demonstrated substantial physical strength to allow easy manipulation during manufacturing and dosing. The dosage uniformity, in vitro disintegration and in vitro dissolution profiles of the films were within the acceptance criteria in the United States Pharmacopeia. The developed SLIT methodology possesses the potential to significantly improve immunotherapy for both food and inhalant allergies in adults and children.