Crossover Study of Zafirlukast in Preventing Allergen-induced Signs and Symptoms in Response to Cat Dander Challenge

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the hypothesis that pre-treatment with a nasal dose of Zafirlukast works well in blocking the signs and symptoms of cat dander in patients sensitive to cat dander. The main question it aims to answer is:

• What is the difference in the Total Nasal Symptoms Score between patients pre-treated with Zafirlukast and patients treated with a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no active drug)?

The Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS; possible score of 0-12) is the sum of 4 individual subject-assessed symptom scores for

• rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
• nasal itching
• sneezing

Each of these are evaluated using a scale of

• 0=None
• 1=Mild
• 2=Moderate
• 3=Severe

Participants will

• First be screened for their medical history, the medication they take, and other factors to see if they qualify for the study.
• Participants will then be exposed to a fixed dose of cat dander to test their baseline change in TNSS. Some patients may need to return for a higher dose of cat dander.
• On the next visit, some participants will be pre-treated with Zafirlukast and the rest with a placebo, then they will be exposed to cat dander. Their symptoms will be observed.
• On the final visit, participants who were pre-treated with Zafirlukast on their last visit will be given a placebo. Participants who were pre-treated with a placebo on their last visit will be given Zafirlukast. All participants will then be exposed to cat dander and their symptoms will be observed.

Inclusion criteria

• Active nonsmoking males and females between the ages of 18-65 with allergic rhinitis triggered by cat dander exposure.
• Concomitant medication limited to "as needed" including for mild asthma.
• Baseline resting blood pressure les than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg.
• Baseline resting heart rate less than or equal to 100 beats/min.
• Baseline NIFR must be ≥ 50 L/min.
• Females of childbearing age may participate only if they have a negative urine pregnancy test, are non-lactating, and agree to practice an adequate birth control method (abstinence, combination barrier and spermicide, or hormonal) for the duration of the study.
• The ability to give informed consent and comply with study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Receiving immunotherapy for cat allergy
• Predictable seasonal allergy during the study period
• Newly (< 2 weeks) diagnosed with Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)
• Regular use of controller medication for moderate to severe asthma
• Subject works with cats or keeps a cat as a pet.
• Inability or unwillingness to give written informed consent.
• History of upper/lower respiratory tract infection, requiring systemic steroids, antibiotics, and or emergency room (ER) visit or urgent care within 6 weeks of screening visit.
• History of adverse reaction or allergy to Zafirlukast
• History of neurological, hepatic, renal, diabetic mellitus, thyroid disorder, psychiatric, addiction or other medical conditions that may interfere with the interpretation of data or the patient's participation in the study or may increase safety concerns per investigator discretion.
• History of cardiovascular diseases including uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure >160/100 mmHg), ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association III or IV), valvular heart disease or cardiomyopathy (e.g., depressed left ventricular ejection fraction by echo, arrhythmias).
• Known allergy or sensitivity to atropine or ipratropium bromide.
• Documented or self-reported current history of alcoholism or drug abuse.
• Baseline Spirometry Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1) <70% of predicted
• Participated in another research trial and received investigational drug within 30 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer
• Unwillingness or inability to comply with study procedures.