Abbott Introduces First-of-Its-Kind Hypoallergenic Infant Formula on Prescription in the UK [1]

• Clinical guidelines from specialised medical associations now recommend hydrolysed rice formula (HRF) as a first-line option for infants with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) who are not breastfed
• Abbott’s new HRF, Arize by Similac, is the first and only plant-based hypoallergenic formula available on prescription in the UK, and shown to be 100% effective for infants with cow’s milk allergy^2,3
• Latest research shows that when babies with CMA used Abbott’s new HRF formula, their reported symptoms improved or resolved within 28 days^4,5

MAIDENHEAD, UK 23 July 2025 —Abbott, a global healthcare leader, announced today its infant hydrolysed rice formula (HRF) - which contains no cow’s milk protein and has been shown to virtually eliminate allergic reactions in children with cow’s milk allergy (CMA)^2,3 - is now available on prescription in the UK.

HRF is made from rice protein, which is considered one of the least allergenic staple foods.⁶ It has gained attention in recent years as an effective option for infants with CMA⁷—supported by new clinical evidence that has prompted the inclusion of HRF in clinical guidelines from specialised medical associations.

While breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies, for parents who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, high-quality infant formula is the only appropriate, safe alternative.⁸ Babies with CMA have specific dietary needs and considerations.⁷ Until now, healthcare professionals have had limited specialty formula options, most of which are based on cow’s milk protein.

''While the milk protein in extensively hydrolysed formulas have been broken down to help prevent allergic reactions, some infants may still react to these formulas,'' said Rebecca Stevenson, RD, MSc, medical director for Abbott’s nutrition business in the UK. ''For some children with CMA, healthcare professionals must try several hypoallergenic formulas to find one that works for the child. With Abbott’s plant-based, hydrolysed rice formula now available in the UK, healthcare professionals have another option, which can give them peace of mind knowing that they are prescribing something that will work from the start since it doesn’t contain milk protein.''

The Evolution of Recommendations for the Management of Cow’s Milk Allergy
For years, clinical guidelines primarily recommended extensively hydrolysed formulas as a first-line option for babies with CMA. With the introduction and availability in recent years of hydrolysed rice formulas, specialised medical associations have updated their recommendations. Last year, both the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow’s Milk Allergy (DRACMA) guidelines were updated to recommend HRF as a first-line option – in addition to extensively hydrolysed formulas – for infants with CMA who are not breastfed.^7,9

A recent clinical study – presented at ESPGHAN’s annual meeting in May – evaluated the growth, tolerance and compliance of Abbott’s HRF fed to 33 infants with suspected cow’s milk allergy, soy allergy, and/or children with persistent feeding intolerance.⁴ The researchers found that the HRF helped improve reported symptoms and supported healthy growth:

• Within 28 days, 87% of CMA symptoms improved or resolved, as reported by parents.
• Growth outcomes matched breastfed infants, and infants fed HRF formula showed statistically significant improvement in weight-for-age.

''Hydrolysed rice formula is a great example of where nature and science meet,'' said Carlett Ramirez, RD, MSc, a lead author on the clinical study and nutrition scientist at Abbott. ''Using a wholesome ingredient, like rice protein, to make a safe, effective, and nutritionally-complete formula, Abbott has provided another solution to help doctors effectively manage babies’ cow’s milk allergy. Abbott’s HRF is the first and only rice-based option in the UK—and is now available on prescription.''

Abbott’s hydrolysed rice formula, Arize by Similac, is nutritionally complete and provides all important nutrients like DHA, essential amino acids, iron, and calcium, among others, to promote healthy growth and development in infants.^10,11 It is suitable for vegetarian, Halal and Kosher diets.

For more information, visit https://www.proconnect.abbott/uk/en/home/infant/products/arize.html.

About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Abbott Media:
Bill Ranatunga, william.ranatunga@abbott.com

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[1] This information is intended exclusively for healthcare professional education. It is not intended for patients or the general public.

[2] Fiocchi A, et al. Clin Exp Allergy.2006;36:311-6.

[3] Fiocchi A, et al. Clin Exp Allergy.2003;33:1576-80

[4] Ramirez-Farias C, et al. Nutrients. 2024 Jun 13;16(12):1863. doi: 10.3390/nu16121863.

[5] As reported by parents.

[6] Helm RM and Burks AW. Cereal Foods World. 1996;41:839-843.

[7] Vandenplas Y, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2024 Feb;78(2):386-413. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000003897.

[8] NHS. Drinks and cups for babies and young children. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/drinks-and-cups-for-babies-and-young-children/#:~:text=of%20tooth%20decay.-,Formula%20milk,main%20drink%20from%2012%20months.

[9] Bognanni A, et al. World Allergy Organ J. 2024 Mar 26;17(4):100888. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100888.

[10] D’Auria et al. J Int Med Res. 2003; 31:215-22.

[11] Agostoni et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2007;18:599-606.