The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has marked a significant advancement in allergy treatment by approving a novel sublingual tablet for severe dust mite allergies on the NHS. The treatment, known as 12 SQ-HDM SLIT or Acarizax, represents the first NICE-recommended therapy for this challenging condition.
Treatment Mechanism and Patient Eligibility
The innovative therapy, developed by ALK-Abello, functions by gradually increasing the body's resistance to house dust mites through daily administration of a fixed-dose allergen extract. Eligible patients must be between 12 and 65 years old and demonstrate persistent moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis that has proven resistant to standard treatments.
Patient qualification requires positive confirmation through either an allergy skin prick test or specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test, along with a comprehensive review of medical history. The treatment protocol involves a three-year course of at-home administration.
Clinical Impact and Patient Benefits
For individuals with persistent symptoms—defined as occurring four or more days weekly for at least a month—this treatment offers new hope. Common manifestations of severe dust mite allergy include:
- Persistent sneezing
- Itchy and runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Red, itchy, and watery eyes
- Facial swelling
- Severe fatigue
- Sleep disruption
Helen Knight, NICE's director of medicines evaluation, emphasizes the treatment's significance: "This cost-effective drug will have a significant positive impact on quality of life for people with house dust mite allergic rhinitis that is not controlled by standard treatments. This medicine has been found to improve symptoms, helping people to live their lives and has potential to be truly life-changing."
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, a GP and patient expert, validates the treatment's potential: "This drug could be life-changing for those affected by severe symptoms which include significant fatigue, congestion and facial swelling. The evidence clearly shows it offers an effective solution for those who have struggled with standard treatments."
Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, describes the approval as a "landmark step" for patients who have endured years of suffering. Warner notes that the condition significantly impacts mental wellbeing and daily living, emphasizing how this new treatment option provides hope for eligible NHS patients.
Healthcare System Impact
NICE estimates approximately 13,000 people in England could benefit from this groundbreaking therapy. The approval particularly benefits patients who have shown inadequate response to conventional treatments such as steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines, offering a new pathway for managing this chronic condition.
