Managing house dust mite allergy: treatment option now available on the NHS 

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has released its final draft guidance, recommending Acarizax for NHS use in the management of house dust mite allergy. Developed by ALK-Abello, Acarizax is the first therapy specifically designed to treat allergic rhinitis triggered by house dust mites. This recommendation marks a major milestone for patients with moderate to severe house dust mite allergy, offering a new treatment option for individuals aged 12 to 65 who have long struggled with this condition.  

What is house dust mite allergy? 

House dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction triggered by proteins produced by house dust mites – tiny, microscopic creatures that live in household dust. These mites feed on dead human skin cells, and their waste products can cause allergic reactions. Even in a very clean home, it is nearly impossible to eliminate house dust mites completely.  

In the UK, house dust mite allergy is estimated to affect around 13,000 people. Common symptoms include sneezing, an itchy nose, a runny or blocked nose, and red, watery, or itchy eyes. In more severe cases, people can experience facial swelling, fatigue and disrupted sleep.  These symptoms can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities, affecting work, school, and social life. 

With the recent NICE recommendation of Acarizax, many people may now experience better relief from these symptoms, which could greatly improve their quality of life. 

What is Acarizax? 

Unlike existing treatments such as antihistamines or steroids, which focus on managing symptoms, Acarizax addresses the underlying cause of the house dust mite allergy. It gradually exposes your immune system to small, controlled doses of house dust mite allergens through a tablet taken under the tongue. This process helps train your immune system to react less strongly over time, thereby reducing your allergy symptoms. 

The first dose of Acarizax is given under medical supervision, and you can then continue the 3-year treatment at home. This approach offers greater convenience for patients by reducing the need for frequent visits to allergy clinics, as well as helping to ease the burden on the NHS. 

This treatment is recommended for people aged 12 to 65 who experience moderate to severe, long-lasting allergic rhinitis caused by house dust mites. To qualify, a doctor must confirm the allergy through a detailed medical history and a positive result on a skin prick test or a specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) blood test. 

Why is this important? 

Previously, this treatment was only available privately, making it inaccessible to many due to the high cost. With Acarizax now available on the NHS, more individuals will have access to a treatment that directly targets the root cause of their allergy. NICE hope the treatment will be available via the NHS in England within the next 3 months. 

This has the potential to empower many individuals to better manage their condition, leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life. Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, Chair of the Anaphylaxis UK Clinical and Scientific Panel, has expressed support for NICE’s decision, recognising it as an advancement in allergy care:  

“As someone with lived experience of allergies I am pleased that NICE has recommended 12 SQ-HDM SLIT (Acarizax). 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.” 

If you think you might have house dust mite allergy you can visit your GP for advice. You can find out more about house dust mite allergy here.

For more information, you can read the full NICE announcement here.