{"id":589314,"date":"2026-08-10T22:22:30","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T22:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/589314\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T22:22:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T22:22:30","slug":"allergy-treatment-approved-for-nhs-in-major-milestone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/589314\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergy treatment approved for NHS in \u2018major milestone\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new treatment for allergy sufferers made from house dust mites has been approved for use by the NHS in Scotland \u2013 with the drug\u2019s manufacturers hailing it as a \u201cmajor milestone\u201d in treatment.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This causes the lining of the nose to become inflamed, leading to sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and irritated eyes.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

SMC chair Dr Rob Peel said: \u201cAcarizax 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr George Raptis, a paediatric allergy consultant with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said that house dust mite allergic rhinitis could be a \u201csignificant burden and ongoing challenge\u201d for doctors and could \u201cimpact patients\u2019 quality of life with long-term effects on their day-to-day wellbeing\u201d.<\/p>\n

He stated: \u201cThe SMC\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anne Biggs, deputy head of clinical services, Allergy UK, said: \u201cUncontrolled, house dust mite allergy severely impacts daily life, sleep, and overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllergy UK welcomes the SMC\u2019s decision, which offers a potential long-term solution and renewed hope for patients in Scotland who have found little relief through existing medications.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emil Stage Olsen, general manager for the UK and Republic of Ireland at ALK, said: \u201cThe SMC\u2019s acceptance of Acarizax marks a major milestone in transforming airborne allergy management for patients in Scotland.<\/p>\n

\u201cALK is proud to partner with NHS Scotland to ensure eligible patients can access this disease-modifying treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n

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