For millions of people across the UK, summer means more than sunshine and ice cream—it brings sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses caused by hay fever. But for tens of thousands of sufferers, there’s a promising breakthrough. A new immunotherapy tablet, Betula verrucosa, is being rolled out by the NHS in England, offering long-term relief from birch pollen allergies.
Here’s what you need to know about the treatment, how it works, and who qualifies.
What Is Betula verrucosa?
Also known by its brand name Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet, Betula verrucosa is an under-the-tongue (sublingual) immunotherapy tablet. It contains purified birch pollen extract, a key trigger for hay fever in many people.
Approved and recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the treatment is aimed at individuals who continue to experience symptoms despite using antihistamines and nasal sprays.
How Does the Treatment Work?
Betula verrucosa is not a quick fix. Instead, it tackles the root cause of allergic reactions by gradually training the immune system to tolerate the allergen.
How it works:
- Patients take the tablet daily under the tongue for up to three years.
- The birch pollen extract in the tablet stimulates the immune system in small, controlled doses.
- Over time, the body becomes desensitised, reducing the severity of hay fever symptoms.
This approach is known as allergen-specific immunotherapy. It has been used in injectable form for decades, but the tablet version offers a simpler and more patient-friendly option.
Who Will Benefit?
NICE estimates that around 27,000 people in England will be eligible in the initial rollout.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Patients must have a confirmed birch pollen allergy through blood tests or skin prick testing.
- Must continue to experience symptoms despite standard treatments such as antihistamines or nasal sprays.
This treatment is expected to be available within three months of NICE’s final guidance.
Hay Fever Symptoms at a Glance
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is caused by the body’s overreaction to airborne allergens such as pollen. Birch pollen is a major trigger, especially in spring and early summer.
Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
- Headaches and facial pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of smell
Birch Pollen and the Bigger Picture
According to Allergy UK, around 25% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to birch pollen. These patients often experience the worst symptoms when birch trees release their pollen between March and May.
Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK, said:
“Many people don’t realise how awful it is having an itchy, runny nose or sneezing episodes during the pollen season… NICE’s recommendation provides a genuine opportunity to manage the root cause of the allergy.”
What Experts Are Saying
Professor Meghana Pandit, co-medical director at NHS England, added:
“This innovative treatment enables patients to build up tolerance to birch tree pollen… allowing people to enjoy being outside, without the discomfort allergies can bring.”
The rollout reflects a broader shift in allergy care—focusing on long-term solutions rather than symptom management alone.
FAQs
How soon will the treatment be available?
The NHS will begin offering the treatment within three months of NICE’s final guidance.
Can I get this treatment without testing?
No. You must first test positive for birch pollen allergy via blood or skin tests.
Is it suitable for children?
Eligibility criteria currently apply to adults. Paediatric use may depend on individual NHS trust policies.
