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NICE has recommended Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet (betula verrucosa), the first sublingual immunotherapy for birch tree pollen allergy, in final draft guidance published yesterday (July 21).

Up to 27,000 people in England could benefit from the once-daily tablet, which builds long-term immune tolerance over three years rather than providing short-term symptom relief, says NICE.

The treatment, from ALK-Abelló, is licensed for moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis in patients aged 18-65 years with confirmed birch pollen allergy not controlled by antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids.

Clinical trials show significant reduction in symptoms. NICE says the therapy could improve quality of life for people whose condition severely restricts daily activity during pollen season.

The NHS in England can 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. 

Also read: Allergy or infection? You decide