Spring pollen spurs surge in treatments

As China enters the peak spring pollen season, hospitals are reporting a sharp rise in allergy cases, with growing demand for more effective treatments for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis.

A newly introduced biological agent therapy has begun to ease the burden for patients. After being included in the national medical insurance program, costs have been greatly reduced and access has been widened, medical experts said.

Stapokibart, a drug approved in 2025 for seasonal allergic rhinitis, has already benefited more than 20,000 patients across China. It was added to the national reimbursement drug list in early 2026, according to Wang Chengshuo, vice-president of Beijing Tongren Hospital, a leading hospital for ear, nose and throat diseases.

"Stapokibart delivers superior efficacy compared with the combined use of intranasal glucocorticoids and oral antihistamines, while maintaining a strong safety profile," Wang said. "It represents a highly promising new therapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in the future."

Hospitals are adjusting services to cope with the seasonal surge. At Beijing Tongren Hospital, 600 to 800 more appointment slots were added each week, said Yuan Jin, president of the hospital. Fast-track services and evening rhinology clinics have also been introduced.

Market data reflects the growing demand. The latest data from Dingdang Health shows that nationwide sales of allergy medicines increased by 60.4 percent week-over-week in the past seven days period till Friday, with Beijing posting the strongest growth at 89.5 percent. Online inquiries related to allergies have also increased significantly.

Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal itching, nasal congestion, sneezing, and clear rhinorrhea. Severe cases can seriously impair work, study and sleep, significantly reducing quality of life.

Stapokibart, independently developed in China, is currently the world's only biologics targeting the IL-4 alpha receptor approved for uncontrolled moderate-to-severe seasonal allergic rhinitis.

It is also the first domestic biological agent in China indicated for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Administered via subcutaneous injection, only three doses are needed per pollen season, said Wang. The original price is 1,039 yuan ($151) per injection, while insured patients pay merely about 200 yuan out of pocket per dose. Suitable for people aged 18 to 75, it has no serious side effects, he said.

"It can significantly relieve nasal and ocular symptoms, helping patients get through the spring pollen season smoothly," he said.

So far, more than 1,000 patients have received the treatment at Beijing Tongren Hospital alone.

Upgraded therapy like Stapokibart is only recommended for patients whose symptoms severely affect daily life and show no obvious improvement after one to two weeks of standard treatment.

According to a 2025 report on allergic rhinitis awareness and management, the prevalence among Chinese adults has risen from 11.1 percent in 2005 to 18 percent, affecting roughly 250 million people.

Jin Xingji, a deputy chief physician in dermatology at the hospital, added that mental and physical conditions can also influence symptoms.

"Fatigue and stress during pollen season may aggravate allergic reactions," she said. "Maintaining a stable mood and good overall health can help keep the immune system balanced."

chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn