Allergy treatment approved for NHS in ‘major milestone’

A new treatment for allergy sufferers made from house dust mites has been approved for use by the NHS in Scotland – with the drug’s manufacturers hailing it as a “major milestone” in treatment.

The drug Acarizax has been recommended by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), the body which approves new medicines for use by the NHS in Scotland.

Already approved by the NHS in England, the drug, which is made using allergen extracts from house dust mites, can be prescribed for those with moderate to severe allergies.

Manufacturers ALK said up to 1,960 Scots per year are expected to benefit from the treatment, which can help those who suffer from the year-round condition, house dust mite allergic rhinitis.

This causes the lining of the nose to become inflamed, leading to sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and irritated eyes.

But by giving sufferers a daily dose of allergy extract in the pills, Acarizax allows the immune system to build up a natural tolerance, in a process called desensitisation or immunotherapy.

SMC chair Dr Rob Peel said: “Acarizax is the first targeted treatment option available specifically for house dust mite allergy and may help patients who have been unable to control their symptoms with currently available treatments.”

Dr George Raptis, a paediatric allergy consultant with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said that house dust mite allergic rhinitis could be a “significant burden and ongoing challenge” for doctors and could “impact patients’ quality of life with long-term effects on their day-to-day wellbeing”.

He stated: “The SMC’s acceptance of sublingual immunotherapy provides a vital new option to target the root cause of the allergy for patients whose symptoms remain poorly controlled despite standard treatments.”

Anne Biggs, deputy head of clinical services, Allergy UK, said: “Uncontrolled, house dust mite allergy severely impacts daily life, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

“Allergy UK welcomes the SMC’s decision, which offers a potential long-term solution and renewed hope for patients in Scotland who have found little relief through existing medications.”

Emil Stage Olsen, general manager for the UK and Republic of Ireland at ALK, said: “The SMC’s acceptance of Acarizax marks a major milestone in transforming airborne allergy management for patients in Scotland.

“ALK is proud to partner with NHS Scotland to ensure eligible patients can access this disease-modifying treatment.”