Immunotherapy treatment for house dust mite allergy now available through NHS Scotland 

An immunotherapy treatment for house dust mite allergy has been made available through the NHS in Scotland. 

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted Acarizax (12 SQ-HDM sublingual immunotherapy) for adults aged 18–65 with moderate to severe, persistent house dust mite allergic rhinitis. The treatment is intended for patients whose symptoms remain uncontrolled despite the use of symptom-relieving medication. 

Developed by ALK-Abelló, Acarizax is an immunotherapy treatment specifically designed for house dust mite allergy. It is already approved for NHS use in England. 

What is house dust mite allergy? 

House dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins produced by microscopic house dust mites. These tiny creatures live in household dust and feed on dead human skin cells. Their waste products can trigger an allergic reaction. 

House dust mites are extremely difficult to eliminate completely, even in a very clean home. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Sneezing 

• An itchy, runny or blocked nose 

• Red, watery or itchy eyes 

• Wheezing or breathlessness 

• Fatigue and disrupted sleep. 

For some people, these symptoms can significantly affect their physical and mental wellbeing, making everyday activities, work, school and social life more difficult. 

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.  

Why is this important? 

Until now, access to this treatment has been largely limited to private treatment, which could make it unaffordable for many people. Its availability through the NHS in Scotland means eligible patients may now be able to access a treatment that targets the underlying allergic response rather than simply managing symptoms. 

An estimated 1,960 people in Scotland each year are expected to benefit from the treatment. 

Greater access could help eligible patients better manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life and potentially reduce the wider burden that persistent allergic rhinitis places on NHS services. 

If you think you may have a house dust mite allergy, speak to your GP, who can advise on appropriate testing and treatment options. 

You can find out more about house dust mite allergy in this Allergy UK House Dust Mite guide here.