Up to 27,000 people in England with moderate to severe birch tree
pollen allergies could be set to benefit from the first
under-the-tongue tablet immunotherapy shown to build long-term
tolerance to allergens.
The treatment, betula verrucosa (Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet) which is
made by Alk-Abelló, for severe hay fever (allergic rhinitis or
conjunctivitis), offers the potential for long-term rather than
temporary symptom relief for this debilitating
condition.
NICE recommended the therapy in final draft guidance published
today (Monday, 21 July).
The decision means up to 27,000 people in England could receive
life-changing relief from debilitating symptoms that trap them
indoors during summer months.
The recommendation of betula verrucosa is the first NICE approval
for an under-the-tongue immunotherapy for these conditions.
Unlike conventional treatments that merely mask symptoms, this
immunotherapy offers the potential for long-term relief by
training the immune system to tolerate tree pollen over three
years of daily use.
The soft tablet contains birch pollen allergen extract and
represents a new treatment option for people whose symptoms
persist despite antihistamines and nasal
sprays.
Clinical trials demonstrate the treatment significantly reduces
allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis symptoms by fundamentally
changing how the body responds to
allergens.
Severe tree pollen allergies affect far more than seasonal
comfort. Sufferers experience debilitating fatigue, breathing
difficulties, inflamed sinuses, eye pain, light sensitivity and
vision changes that significantly impact their quality of
life.
The immunotherapy works by gradually increasing the body's
tolerance to tree pollen through controlled daily exposure to
small amounts of pollen. This approach addresses the root cause
rather than symptoms, offering hope of long-term
relief.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE,
said: "This treatment will help improve people's quality
of life. Severe tree pollen allergies trap people indoors during
beautiful weather and disrupt their work, education, and family
life. The daily tablet offers genuine long-term relief rather
than just managing symptoms."
The NHS in England will provide the treatment within three months
of NICE publishing final guidance. Patients require positive skin
prick or blood tests confirming their birch tree pollen allergy
before accessing the therapy.
Read the full final draft guidance for betula verrucosa for treating
moderate to severe allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or both,
caused by tree pollen.
