New Dust Mite Allergy Treatment Approved for NHS in Scotland

A new sublingual tablet treatment called Acarizax, formulated from house dust mite allergen extracts, has been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use across NHS Scotland, according to manufacturer ALK and health officials.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium recommended Acarizax for patients suffering from moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis, according to official statements. Manufacturers ALK estimated that up to 1,960 patients in Scotland each year could benefit from the prescription medication. The treatment is already approved and available for use through the NHS in England.

House dust mite allergic rhinitis is a year-round condition that inflames the lining of the nose, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and irritated eyes. SMC chair Dr. Rob Peel stated that Acarizax serves as the first targeted treatment option specifically designed for house dust mite allergies, helping patients whose symptoms remain unmanaged by standard available medications.

The daily treatment operates through desensitisation, or immunotherapy. Patients take a daily pill containing allergy extracts, which allows the immune system to gradually build a natural tolerance to house dust mites over time.

Dr. George Raptis, a paediatric allergy consultant with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, noted that house dust mite allergic rhinitis creates a significant burden for clinicians and negatively impacts patients’ day-to-day well-being. He described the SMC’s acceptance of sublingual immunotherapy as a vital option for targeting the root cause of the allergy.

Anne Biggs, deputy head of clinical services at Allergy UK, stated that uncontrolled house dust mite allergies severely impair daily life and sleep, adding that the SMC decision offers renewed hope and a potential long-term solution for patients finding little relief from existing medications.

Emil Stage Olsen, general manager for the UK and Republic of Ireland at ALK, described the SMC acceptance as a major milestone in transforming airborne allergy management across Scotland. The company confirmed it is partnering with NHS Scotland to facilitate patient access to the disease-modifying treatment.