OM-85 Reduces Recurrent RTIs Across Age Groups in Real-World REACH

Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85) was associated with a 28% to 38% reduction in respiratory tract infection (RTI) rates at 12 months and a 29% to 41% reduction at 24 months in the REACH study, the largest multi-country real-world evidence analysis of the therapy to date.¹ Preliminary REACH findings were presented at the 2026 European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (EAACI) meeting on June 14^th in Türkiye.^1,2

Following the meeting, HCPLive spoke with David Price, professor of primary care respiratory medicine at the University of Aberdeen, to discuss the findings and their relevance to allergists managing recurrent RTIs. Price said the study carries global relevance for allergy practice given the wide variation in OM-85 use across countries, and the data can inform its value in lower-use settings. He also described the approach as novel.

“When I first got introduced to Broncho-Vaxom, I was not so familiar with its clinical use coming from the UK originally, so I think that that is the biggest thing for me,” Price told HCPLive. Obviously, the potential benefits seen here could be very exciting for those countries as well and for allergists in particular.”

Global Scope Gives REACH Clinical Relevance for Allergists, Price says

The REACH cohort included > 15,790 pediatric, adolescent, adult, and elderly patients across China (n = 10,392), Belgium (n = 4797), and Italy (n = 605), drawing on real-world healthcare databases rather than a controlled trial setting.¹ Price noted that OM-85 use varies substantially by country, giving the study broad relevance for allergists internationally.

The study population included patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis (n = 5488), allergic rhinitis (n = 4756), asthma (n = 3704), immunocompromised conditions (n = 2732), and food allergy (n = 228).

Findings Reinforce Infection Prevention as an Asthma Management Strategy

Price pointed to reduced asthma and COPD exacerbations observed during COVID-19 pandemic isolation as evidence that limiting infectious triggers can meaningfully lower flare-up rates. He said OM-85 may work through multiple mechanisms, including residual low-grade infection, immune system stimulation, and barrier dysfunction, drawing a parallel to protective effects seen with newer biologic therapies for airway disease.

Reducing Antibiotic and Steroid Use Is a Key Clinical Goal

Beyond antibiotic stewardship, Price emphasized reducing oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, noting both carry meaningful side-effect burdens in recurrent RTI populations. He said the priority should be optimizing underlying allergic rhinitis, asthma, or COPD treatment to prevent RTIs from occurring, rather than only restricting antibiotic use once an infection has started.

Reduction In RTIs Was Consistent Across All Age Subgroups

The RTI reduction held across age groups (1 to > 64 years) and regardless of prior RTI frequency.¹ Price said clinical relevance varies by practice type, with pediatric allergists seeing the greatest RTI burden and adult physicians more focused on severe exacerbations in older patients with asthma or COPD.

Shifting From Reactive to Proactive RTI Management

When asked for the single takeaway allergists should bring to their next patient visit, Price said the field needs to move from reactive care after flare-ups to proactive prevention.

Price raised this question: “Is the RTI event—and calling it an RTI event—reflecting [an] underlying lack of [disease] prevention control?”

Price has no reported disclosures.

Reference

1. Canonica GW, Maffert P, Sansone C, et al. Effectiveness of Broncho-Vaxom® in Preventing Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections: Preliminary Findings from REACH, a Multi-Country Real-World Study. Abstract presented at: European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology; June 14, 2026. https://eaaci2026.process.y-congress.com/ScientificProcess/schedule/?sessionGuid=cb0d9ef6-6755-46fe-82eb-9682e4f3d30e&setLng=en

2. OM Pharma to Unveil the Largest Multi-Country Real-World Evidence Study on Broncho‑Vaxom® (OM‑85) for RTI Prevention at EAACI 2026. BusinessWire. Published on June 14, 2026. Accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260614793154/en/OM-Pharma-to-Unveil-the-Largest-Multi-Country-Real-World-Evidence-Study-on-BronchoVaxom-OM85-for-RTI-Prevention-at-EAACI-2026