The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended ALK’s once-daily immunotherapy tablet to target the underlying cause of hay fever caused by birch tree pollen.
The health technology assessment agency has recommended in final draft guidance that the under-the-tongue drug, Itulazax (12 SQ-Bet), be used on the NHS in England and Wales to treat adults with moderate-to-severe, uncontrolled allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis caused by birch tree pollen.
Patients will require a positive skin prick or blood tests confirming their birch tree pollen allergy before accessing the therapy, according to the guidance.
An estimated 26,800 people in England could benefit from Itulazax, which gradually increases the body’s tolerance to tree pollen through controlled daily exposure to small amounts of birch pollen allergen extract over three years.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “This treatment will help improve people’s quality of life… The daily tablet offers genuine long-term relief rather than just managing symptoms.”
Approximately 15.8 million people in the UK are affected by hay fever, a common allergy that causes symptoms including sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and loss of smell.
Many patients manage their symptoms with over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines and nasal sprays; however, the consequences can be more challenging for those with moderate-to-severe cases.
NICE’s decision was supported by clinical trial evidence showing that Itulazax reduces the severity of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis symptoms compared with placebo.
Emil Stage Olsen, general manager UK and Republic of Ireland, ALK, said: “We welcome this positive NICE recommendation, which is another meaningful advancement for [the] UK allergy community.
“Our focus is now on working closely with the NHS to ensure eligible patients can benefit from this first-in-class immunotherapy.”
Also welcoming the recommendation, Amena Warner, head of clinical services at charity Allergy UK, said: “Many people don’t realise how awful it is having an itchy, runny nose, sneezing episodes or itchy, irritated eyes in the pollen season.
“… NICE’s recommendation is so important because it provides a genuine opportunity for people to manage the root cause of their pollen allergy, offering the chance to break free from this burden and enjoy a better quality of life.”