ALK has announced that the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted ACARIZAX (12 SQ-HDM SLIT) for adults diagnosed with house dust mite allergic rhinitis that remains moderate to severe despite symptom‑relieving medication. The treatment is licensed for patients aged 18–65 years who have a confirmed sensitisation through clinical history and testing.
The tablet is the first allergen immunotherapy for house dust mite allergic rhinitis in Scotland.
The sublingual therapy is taken once daily under the tongue and targets the underlying cause of allergy rather than symptoms. By building tolerance in the immune system, it offers a potential long‑term option for those struggling with persistent disease.
Symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing, wheezing and breathlessness can affect physical health, mental well‑being and quality of life. Managing the condition often requires lifestyle changes and financial costs, including deep‑cleaning and specialised bedding. House dust mite allergy also places pressure on the NHS through doctor visits, medication use and hospital admissions.
Clinical experts consulted by the SMC highlighted a significant unmet need for additional options. The treatment provides an alternative for patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by current care. Around 1,960 people in Scotland are expected to benefit each year.
The SMC decision follows a full submission and review of three double‑blind phase III studies. One year of treatment with 12 SQ‑HDM SLIT, alongside standard care, significantly improved a combined measure of symptom severity and medication use compared with placebo. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate and discontinuation rates were low.
Dr George Raptis, Paediatric Allergy Consultant, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “House dust mite allergic rhinitis presents a significant burden and ongoing challenge in daily clinical practice across Scotland. This can impact patient’s quality of life with long term effects on their day-to day wellbeing but also productivity.”
He added: “These effects are often underreported hence we are still not able to fully understand the burden of this disease. 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, explained: “Uncontrolled house dust mite allergy severely impacts daily life, sleep, and overall wellbeing.”
She added: “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.”
