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4w ago

NICE Approves First Under-the-Tongue Birch Pollen Immunotherapy Tablet for Severe Hay Fever

NHS England is drafting protocols for allergy testing alongside patient enrolment ahead of a rollout scheduled within three months

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Image: © Ridofranz | iStock
About one in four hay fever sufferers in the UK are allergic to tree pollen

Overview

  • The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended Betula verrucosa (Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet) as the first daily sublingual immunotherapy for severe birch pollen hay fever on the NHS.
  • Publication of final guidance on July 21–22 activates a three-month deadline for NHS England to introduce the three-year treatment through standard allergy services.
  • Patients must undergo skin prick or blood tests to confirm birch pollen sensitivity before starting the daily tablet regimen intended to retrain immune tolerance over three years.
  • NICE estimates that roughly 27,000 people in England whose symptoms persist despite antihistamines or nasal sprays will be eligible for the new immunotherapy.
  • Clinical trials showed the tablet can significantly reduce debilitating symptoms—such as fatigue, inflamed sinuses and itchy eyes—offering genuine long-term relief and improved quality of life.