| abstract |
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions based on carrageenan as an active ingredient, for use as a medicament in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of allergic conditions or diseases, with the proviso that the car-rageenan comprises iota- and/or kappa-carrageenan and is substantially free of lambda carrageenan. Typically, the invention re-lates to liquid formulations, gels and dry powder compositions comprising iota-and/or kappa-carrageenan and, optionally, one or more non-carrageenan therapeutic agents for administration to the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract or the eyes. The com-positions of the invention have been found to be efficacious in the prevention and treatment of type I allergies and additionally, may exert an adjuvant function upon combined mucosal administration with non-carrageenan therapeutic agents. |