'Life-changing' treatment could help thousands of people with severe dust mite allergy

Thousands of people with a severe dust mite allergy could benefit from a "life-changing" first-of-its-kind tablet on the NHS.

Common symptoms of a severe dust mite allergy, or allergic rhinitis, include sneezing, an itchy nose, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, red and watery eyes.

In severe cases it can be debilitating and cause facial swelling, fatigue and affect people's sleep, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said.

The institute has approved a drug called 12 SQ-HDM SLIT for people aged 12 to 65 with persistent moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis.

NICE said around 13,000 people in England could benefit from the therapy, which is the first treatment it has recommended for the condition.

The drug, also known as Acarizax, works by increasing the body's resistance to house dust mites and is of particular benefit to people whose symptoms do not respond enough to treatment such as steroid nasal sprays and antihistamines.

By giving a regular fixed amount of house dust mite allergy extract every day, the body can become less sensitive to the effect of dust mites, cutting the symptoms of the allergic reaction over time.

The treatment, made by ALK-Abello, is taken for three years at home to build up the body's resistance.

A dust mite allergy is described as persistent when symptoms occur on four or more days a week for a month and have not been helped by standard treatments.

People will be eligible for the new pill after medics have looked at their medical history and if they test positive for house dust mite allergy through the allergy skin prick test or specific immunoglobulin E [IgE]) test.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: "For people with house dust mite allergic rhinitis that is not controlled by standard treatments, this new cost-effective drug will have a significant positive impact on their quality of life.

"This is a chronic, debilitating condition which can prevent people from going to their workplace or school.

"This medicine has been found to improve symptoms, helping people to live their lives and has potential to be truly life-changing."

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Dr Helen Evans-Howells, a patient expert and a GP, said: "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."

Meanwhile, Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, said the decision was a "landmark step".

"Many endure years of misery; of nasal congestion, loss of smell and sneezing, impacting their sleep and daily living with little respite from symptoms.

"This can also affect mental wellbeing. With this treatment there is now hope for people who fit the criteria to be able to access this through the NHS."

(c) Sky News 2025: 'Life-changing' treatment could help thousands of people with severe dust mite allergy