New Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK has granted approval for Acarizax (12 SQ-HDM SLIT), a new treatment for individuals aged 12 to 65 years suffering from moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis. This condition, characterized by persistent symptoms despite conventional treatments, will now be managed with sublingual immunotherapy. The decision marks a significant milestone as Acarizax becomes the first treatment of its kind to be approved by NICE, offering a fresh therapeutic option for patients.
Development by ALK-Abello
Acarizax has been developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company ALK-Abello, a leader in Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis . The company, which specializes in allergy immunotherapy, saw its shares rise by 2.6% to 155.70 kroner following the NICE approval. The new treatment has been heralded as a groundbreaking advancement in the management of allergic rhinitis caused by house dust mites. NICE’s recommendation enables patients to access Acarizax through the National Health Service (NHS), potentially improving the quality of life for those affected by this chronic condition.
Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis in the UK
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition in the UK, with approximately 26% of adults affected by symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and runny nose. Among those suffering from this condition, house dust mites are identified as the leading airborne allergen, impacting around 50% of individuals with allergic rhinitis. This translates to more than 5 million people across the UK who are impacted by the condition. Despite the availability of symptomatic treatments, about 1 million people continue to live with uncontrolled symptoms, highlighting the need for more effective and long-term solutions like Acarizax.
