house dust mite immunotherapy

House dust mite immunotherapy (also known as HDM-AIT) is a disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, triggered by house dust mites (primarily *Dermatophagoides farinae* and *Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus*). The therapy involves the repeated administration of standardized allergen extracts to induce immunological tolerance. This process modulates the immune system by shifting the response from a Th2-allergic profile to a regulatory profile, characterized by increased production of allergen-specific IgG4 antibodies, decreased IgE levels, and the induction of regulatory T-cells. It is available as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), including daily dissolving tablets like ODACTRA (approved for patients aged 5–65) and ACARIZAX, or as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) administered via periodic injections. ODACTRA, developed by ALK, received an expanded FDA approval in February 2025 to include children aged 5 through 11.

Brand names

ODACTRAACARIZAXMITICUREActairStaloral

Other names

House dust mite allergen extractHDM-AITHDM SLITHDM SCITHouse dust mite allergen immunotherapy