Danish pharmaceutical company ALK-Abelló A/S (ALK) (CPH:ALK-B) announced on Thursday that the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of ACARIZAX for the treatment of persistent, moderate to severe house dust mite allergic rhinitis in adults and adolescents.

This recommendation allows access to ACARIZAX via the National Health Service (NHS) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

House dust mite allergy affects approximately half of the 26% of UK adults with allergic rhinitis.

ACARIZAX is the first sublingual allergy immunotherapy (AIT) recommended by NICE and available through the NHS. NICE's Final Guidance is expected in March, after which NHS implementation will follow.

ALK is preparing to submit a similar application for a NICE review of its sublingual tree tablet, ITULAZAX. Submissions will also be made to extend the approvals for ACARIZAX and ITULAZAX to include children.