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Category: Latest News

Latest News
17 June 2025

SmellTaste partnering with The Wildlife Trusts to increase awareness of smell and taste impairments

Over the past few months, The Wildlife Trusts and SmellTaste have been working together to explore the links between nature, wellbeing, and the senses.

Last week, we hosted a series of workshops in Suffolk designed to raise awareness about smell and taste impairments, highlight the benefits of connecting with wildlife, and introduce participants to the art of cyanotype printing.

 

Carlton Marshes, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, provided the perfect setting. 

Attendees took a short walk through the landscape, collecting grasses, flowers, and other plants that caught their attention. 

They then learned about the cyanotype process and created their own beautiful prints.

Throughout the sessions, we also explored the impact of smell and taste impairments, the work of SmellTaste, and how mindful smelling and time in nature can support wellbeing.

 

On the final day, following the workshop, we held the first Norfolk/Suffolk SmellTaste meetup. Everyone who attended had a smell or taste impairment or was a friend or loved one of someone who does. The conversations were incredibly valuable, and participants said they felt supported, learned more about their condition, and appreciated hearing from SmellTaste Community Development Officer, Sally.

The group plans to meet again in Lowestoft later this year. If you’d like to be notified about the next date, please complete this form. If you’re interested in a meetup in your area, you can also use the form to let us know.

A big thank you to Autumn Barrow from The Wildlife Trusts, Vicky Eyles and the team of volunteers at Carlton Marshes SWT, and SmellTaste member and volunteer Sarah Garrod for leading the sessions.

 

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By SmellTaste
Latest News
17 June 2025

CMAC Statement on Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) accelerated review

The review of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG), expected in Autumn 2025, has been brought forward and is due to conclude at the end of June 2025.

The Charities Medicines Access Coalition (CMAC), a coalition of 26 health charities (including SmellTaste) representing millions of patients across the UK, is calling for the Government and the pharmaceutical industry to be more transparent and share clear evidence that patient impact is at the heart of the ongoing VPAG discussions and negotiations.

  • The Government must ensure all options being discussed for reform within the VPAG scheme are formally assessed for their impact on NHS patients.
  • The Government and the pharmaceutical industry must also increase their communication and open meaningful discussions with patient organisations within this review.

This statement is supported by the following CMAC members: Action Bladder, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Breast Cancer Now, Blood Cancer Alliance, The Brain Tumour Charity, Brain Tumour Research, Cancer Research UK, Cancer 52, Cardiomyopathy UK, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Diabetes UK, Genetic Alliance UK, JDRF UK, Kidney Research UK, Leukaemia UK, Make 2nds count, METUP UK, MNDA Association, MS Society, Myeloma UK, Neurological Alliance, Prostate Cancer UK, Retina UK, SmellTaste, Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK.

Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) accelerated review – Charity Statement

The Charities Medicines Access Coalition (CMAC), a coalition of 26 health charities representing millions of patients across the UK, is calling for the Government and the pharmaceutical industry to be more transparent and share clear evidence that patient impact is at the heart of the ongoing VPAG discussions and negotiations.

The review of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG), expected in Autumn 2025, has been brought forward and is due to conclude at the end of June 2025.

During the last round of negotiations, CMAC was clear that there must be meaningful engagement with patients and the groups that represent them, transparency around the process, and a joined-up approach to consult with stakeholders on patient-focused topics, including access, uptake, and outcomes. These negotiations and subsequent decisions will have a tangible impact on outcomes for the patient communities we work with.

Neither CMAC nor any of the individual patient organisations we represent have been consulted during this review process. This exclusion of patient voices only deepens our concern that patient benefit and access to effective treatments are not being treated as priorities in the Government’s negotiations with the pharmaceutical industry.

There is also a lack of transparency as to which elements of the VPAG scheme are being considered for amendment within this early review. This makes it challenging to understand or assess the impact that proposed revisions to the scheme may have on patients.

Whilst we would not expect to be involved in the confidential financial negotiations between the Government and the pharmaceutical industry, as patient representatives, we should be included in discussions around how VPAG funds are used to improve patient outcomes in the UK.

We are calling on the Government to ensure all options being discussed for reform within the VPAG scheme are formally assessed for their impact on NHS patients. We also call on the Government and the pharmaceutical industry to increase their communication and open meaningful discussions with patient organisations within this review.

Future work on the VPAG scheme, or any other proposal for reform of the UK’s treatment access systems and processes, must be fully inclusive of the patient voice and ultimately lead to faster, equitable access to new, innovative medicines.

By SmellTaste
Latest News
3 June 2025

Making strides for our senses: Join our 5000 mile challenge

   

We’re aiming to raise £10,000 as part of our 50 Ways to Raise £50k campaign, and together we can do it, one mile at a time.

Our plan is to collectively cover 5000 miles – roughly five times the distance between the smell and taste clinics we work with in England. Our intention is to cover that distance between us to demonstrate the need for more smell and taste clinics across the UK, and indeed the world!

Originally, we planned this as a cycling challenge to be completed by June. However, thanks to feedback from our SmellTaste community, we are opening up our collective efforts to cover 5000 miles to make it more inclusive and give you more time to take part.  You can now take part using any form of movement and we’re extending the deadline to the end of September.

Whether you’re walking, running, swimming, kayaking, skipping, pogo jumping or coming up with your own fun way to clock up the miles, we want you on the team.

To take part, simply email Sally at sally.connick@smelltaste.org.uk and let her know:

  • How many miles you plan to complete
  • How you plan to reach your target
  • That you’ll be getting sponsored to support our cause

To celebrate everyone’s achievements and give our total one final push, we’re hosting a finale cycle track event at Gosling Sports Park Velodrome, Welwyn Garden City, on Sunday 21 September 2025, from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Join Duncan Boak, our CEO and founder for a fantastic day of movement and community spirit, whether you’ve pedalled, jogged or pogoed your way to your miles.

By SmellTaste
Latest News
3 June 2025

Our CEO participates in Parliamentary roundtable discussion on improving access to medicines for NHS patients

I was in Parliament in April for a roundtable discussion chaired by Sadik Al-Hassan MP on the challenges that large numbers of NHS patients face in getting access to medicines with multiple indications, alongside representatives from other patient organisations and pharmaceutical companies. Increasing numbers of drugs are being used to treat more than one health condition or ‘indication.’ However, NHS England’s current system of paying a fixed price for a drug across every indication it is used to treat, and the limited flexibility for considering indication-specific pricing, means that not all drugs get approved to treat all indications. This can result in health inequalities for NHS patients, with many not being able to get access to medicines which may help them, even when they are being used to treat people in other countries.

In the meeting I referenced one specific patient group, those experiencing loss of smell due to severe Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps, for whom sinus surgery does not provide lasting relief from symptoms and who are currently unable to access certain biologic drugs which may benefit them.

At SmellTaste we think that the whole system needs reform, and launched a campaign on this last year 

At the meeting I said that it’s important that all stakeholders: policymakers, patient organisations and industry, need to work together to develop a better solution that prioritises the needs of NHS patients. The positive discussions at Wednesday’s meeting felt like the beginning of a step forwards, and I am looking forward to playing a role in this drive for much-needed change.

I also talked about a wider issue here for the many people living with impaired smell and taste. Treatment depends on cause, and for many causes of smell and taste impairment there are limited or no treatments available. There is a real need for more research into better understanding the different causes and developing new treatments. We need the pharmaceutical industry to be better aware of the needs of the people that SmellTaste represents, another reason growing our engagement with the industry is so important.

Duncan Boak
Chief Executive and founder
Duncan@smelltaste.org.uk
www.linkedin.com/in/duncanboak
www.smelltaste.org.uk

By SmellTaste
Latest News
17 May 2025

Running from the east to west coast of Ireland for SmellTaste

Fin Farrelly and friends take on the Dublin to Galway coast to coast for SmellTaste

We’re thrilled to share our very first fundraising challenge under our new name, SmellTaste. SmellTaste member Fin Farrelly is running coast-to-coast from Dublin to Galway to raise awareness of smell and taste disorders following his own experience of smell loss after a head injury. This inspiring challenge not only marks a huge personal milestone for Fin but also represents a proud moment for us as a charity. You can read more about Fin’s story and how he’s helping to put SmellTaste on the map below.

You can support Fin and make a donation here: The Rocky Road to Galway – JustGiving


Our first member to fundraise under our new name – Fin Farrelly takes on Dublin to Galway for SmellTaste

In April 2024, Fifth– Sense member, Fin suffered a serious head injury during a football match, fracturing his skull. While he recovered well in many ways, one lasting consequence has been the loss of his sense of smell. Once physically on the mend, most parts of life returned to normal for him, except for the way he experienced food, flavour, and his environment.

The absence of smell has meant a change in appetite and routine; taste is no longer what it used to be, and colour and texture have become more important in how he chooses and enjoys food. Former favourites, like steak, no longer hold the same appeal. In fact, he jokes that his condition has practically turned him vegetarian, to the mild frustration of his wife, Emma. Beyond food, Fin, says he misses familiar, comforting smells, freshly cut grass, sea breeze and nostalgic scents from childhood.

Turning a personal challenge into an adventure

The idea to run from Dublin to Galway started as a light-hearted suggestion from two friends who had long been tempted by the challenge. When the anniversary of his injury came around, Fin decided it was the perfect time to join them, turning a “daft idea” into something meaningful. Fin is no stranger to endurance events, having completed a few marathons, but this five-day, 250km run across Ireland is on a whole new level. “I’ve never done anything this stupid,” he laughs. But the cause is one he cares deeply about.

Running for SmellTaste

The team is raising funds for SmellTaste and Fin was drawn to our mission after experiencing first-hand the lack of recognition and support for smell loss, especially within the NHS. “Post-Covid, so many people have been affected by smell disorders, and they’re also common after head injuries. But there’s still no real structure in place to deal with them,” he says. “SmellTaste is doing brilliant work to change that. They rely on fundraisers like us to keep going.”

Through this run, he hopes to raise awareness of the wider impact of smell and taste loss, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. If the challenge helps spark more understanding and support for those living with these hidden conditions, it will have been more than worth the effort.

Training and teamwork

Training for a run like this has been a solitary affair for the three teammates, who live in different parts of the UK. Fin has logged over 600km since January, 250km in March alone and is aiming for over 400km in May. “It’s all about time on my feet,” he says. “The mental challenge will come when things get painful, but I’ll deal with that when it happens.”

The group has intentionally trained apart “We figured if we spent too much time together beforehand, we might get on each other’s nerves,” he jokes. “This way, we’ll still find each other entertaining when it counts.”

Incredible support and generosity

The public response has already exceeded expectations. The team’s JustGiving page, aptly named The Rocky Road to Galway, has raised nearly £3000 so far. “People have been incredibly generous,” he says. “It’s been amazing to see how many people want to support this cause.”

What lies ahead

There are parts of the route that hold personal meaning. Stage 1 passes through areas connected to Fin’s family, and he’s especially looking forward to that section. But both coasts starting in Dublin and finishing in Galway promise to be special moments. The toughest stretch is likely to be Day 3: 65km of running, with the finish line still two days away. “That’s going to be the mental test,” he says. “Getting out there again knowing we’re not even close to done.” As for the finish at Galway Bay, he expects it to be emotional. “It’s going to be one hell of an adventure,” he says. “We’ll have a lot of laughs, but it’s going to be seriously tough.”

A message for others living with smell loss

Fin is keen to emphasise that every experience of smell or taste loss is different. “I’m not one for giving advice, this affects everyone in their own way,” he says. “But if I had to offer one thought: don’t let it beat you.”

We are incredibly proud and grateful to Fin, Dean and Kevin for their incredible challenge for SmellTaste and we wish them hugest of luck and that they enjoy the adventure. You can support Fin and make a donation here: The Rocky Road to Galway – JustGiving

If you would like to raise funds for SmellTaste in your own way and support 50 Ways to Raise £50k, please contact sally.connick@smelltaste.org.uk

By SmellTaste
Latest News
16 May 2025

We are excited to announce that FifthSense has re-branded to SmellTaste

Here we explain why we have taken the decision to rebrand, the story behind the new logo, and address some of the questions you may have.

Why has Fifth –Sense decided to rebrand?

We believe that adopting a clearer and stronger name and visual identity will significantly help our efforts to build a better future for everyone living with impaired smell and taste.

Fifth –Sense was established in 2012. We are the only UK charity focused on smell and taste and the leading such organisation globally. In recent years we have grown the scope and scale of our activity, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, which put a spotlight on smell and taste disorders like never before and has significantly increased awareness of these sensory impairments.

We are:

  • Providing support and information to ever more people
  • Delivering education and training to an increasing range of professional and public audiences
  • Growing our research collaborations
  • Increasing our campaigning and policy work
  • Involving more of our beneficiaries as volunteers and advocates

But there is still much more to do. The people we represent often struggle to get their sensory impairment recognised or treated. There are too few specialist services, a lack of routine smell testing, not enough research into new treatments, and the senses of smell and taste remain undervalued.

We are determined to keep growing our work and drive much-needed change in recognition, support and care for all those impacted by impaired smell and taste, along with a sea change in understanding of just how important these senses are to our lives. We have a great team, an ever-growing body of volunteers, supporters and fundraisers and a strong reputation and track record. We have bold and ambitious plans for the future, and we need the right vehicle for the journey ahead.

The increased awareness of the charity over the last few years has highlighted some drawbacks of the name and brand we have used since our inception. It is not obvious to those who encounter Fifth –Sense for the first time what the charity does from our name alone. Additionally, whilst we represent and support people experiencing problems with both smell and taste, our charity’s name has only referred to one sense, which creates ambiguity and hinders immediate understanding of our mission. We felt that this is holding us back from making even greater progress. We are also working in difficult times for the charity sector, which increases the need to be distinctive and clear about what we do and why we’re doing it.

We also want to communicate more clearly that we are intent on transforming understanding of the vital role that smell and taste play in our lives. This is a crucial aspect of our mission for many reasons, not least because once people appreciate this, they can more easily recognise the impact of smell and taste impairment.
Along with the name change we also felt that our visual identity would benefit from a wholesale refresh to give us a much stronger, clearer presence.

How did you come up with the new brand?

The process took around six months, during which the team leading the rebrand conducted research and held discussions.

We began by holding focus groups with a range of key stakeholders including beneficiaries, some of the clinicians and scientists we work with, representatives of partner organisations and our advisory board.

These gave us valuable insights which helped us decide on our new name.  The participants also gave us ideas for our new colour palette and logo. They told us what they felt we should avoid too.

We constantly referred to feedback from the focus groups throughout the rebrand process. We also ensured the reasons to rebrand formed the basis of all decisions made; we needed to develop a clear, more relevant way to communicate the charity’s mission for a more significant impact.

Focus group participants told us that the new logo had to be simpler with fewer colours, have more impact, stand out against others in the sector, and not retain any parts or specific colours of the Fifth –Sense logo.

Several concept logos were shown to the rebrand team, the Fifth –Sense trustees and other team members. The designs were discussed over several weeks and amended until the final version was decided upon.

What is the story behind the new logo?

The final design incorporates:

  • Two circles that represent smell and taste which are combined to show how they work together. The linked circles also represent the strength of the community we are continuing to build.
  • The reference to the speech bubble is intended to convey a key aspect of ‘how’ we are transforming people’s understanding of smell, taste and these sensory impairments. Whether it is through creating opportunities for our beneficiaries to talk about their own experiences, or our work in speaking with clinicians, scientists, public, professionals and policymakers, starting and enabling conversations about the impact of smell and taste impairment and the rich contribution that both senses make to our lives is at the heart of what we do.
  • The circle on the right is larger to help represent the ongoing process to amplify and grow our work, voice and reach.
  • The words ‘support, education and research’ are included to clearly communicate our core areas of work.
  • The colours for the new logo and brand colour palette have been chosen to be bold and convey warmth, energy and optimism, reflecting how we work with people.

We are really happy that the combination of design, colour scheme and name provides what we set out to achieve; a new identity that is bold, clear and distinctive. We were really pleased with the positive feedback on the final design from our focus group members, particularly from our beneficiaries who were involved. One of them said: “I think the new name and visual identity are brilliant. As someone who suffers from smell and taste loss, I’m very proud to be part of SmellTaste.”

How much did the rebrand cost?

After some initial conversations with branding agencies, we took the decision to undertake as much work as possible in-house to keep costs low, and also because we already had a good idea of what we wanted to achieve with the rebrand.

We worked with a freelancer who has been involved with our charity for over a year, and who has experience of charity re-brands, and the graphic and web design team we have been working with for over five years. They already had a strong understanding of smell and taste disorders and the charity’s mission, which meant we didn’t need to spend time or money on training them about our work.

The new brand will be rolled out over the course of 12 months, so costs and waste will be minimised as Fifth –Sense-branded information leaflets are used up and reordered with the new branding.

The final cost of the rebrand is expected to be below £5,000. To give you some context, we had a quote from one branding agency that was over £40,000.

Does the new brand mean a change in what the charity does?

No. The core areas of the charity’s work and the support we provide remain the same, but we hope that the re-brand will help make what we do much clearer, whilst supporting our growth and development. We believe that our new name and a more impactful visual identity will enhance our voice and create more opportunities for us to make a difference to the lives of people affected by smell and taste impairments.

I’m fundraising for SmellTaste, or I’ve left you a gift in my Will. Do I have to change it?

No action is needed at present. The legal name of the charity stays as Fifth –Sense, with SmellTaste becoming our new operating name. Our charity numbers and company name and number remains unchanged.

Who can I contact with any questions about the rebrand?

If you can’t find the answer to your question above, please email us at info@smelltaste.org.uk

Thanks to everyone involved

We would like to thank everyone involved in the rebrand, especially the SmellTaste members who shared their perspectives and helped us to decide on our new name, logo and colour scheme. 
We would also like to thank Andy Johnson and Jamie McCaffrey at Pair Creative, who created the new visual identity and website, and Vicky Kangurs for her support of the process, including running the focus groups.

SmellTaste is the operating name of Fifth –Sense, a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1175553 and in Scotland No. SC052952 and a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 10255303. Our registered address is at Unit 2, Franklins House, Wesley Lane, Bicester OX26 6JU.

By SmellTaste
Latest News
7 April 2025

Support SmellTaste with pedal power!

Join us for an exciting, month-long fundraising challenge and help us collectively cycle 5,000 miles; roughly five times the distance between the smell and taste clinics we work with in England. We’re aiming to raise £10,000 to support our vital work as part of our 50 Ways to Raise 50k campaign. 

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just enjoy a leisurely ride, every mile you pedal can make a real impact. It’s also a great way to stay active and boost your fitness while supporting 50 Ways to Raise £50k.

Sign up today, rally your friends and family for sponsorship, and start logging your miles to support a great cause. Every turn of the wheels and £1 raised brings us closer to our target.

To celebrate everyone’s achievements and push our total even further, we’re hosting a finale track event at Gosling Sports Park Velodrome, Welwyn Garden City, on Sunday, 29 June 2025, from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Join us for a great day of cycling and community spirit!

How to take part

  1. Decide how many miles you want to pedal throughout June and register to enter the cycle challenge
  2. Create your fundraising page via JustGiving here. Simply click on the orange ‘Start Fundraising’ button. Then start collecting sponsorship
  3. Register to take part here

Who can take part?

  • Anyone can take part, on any sort of bike, including spin or exercise bikes. You set the pace and ride as many or as few miles as you like
  • You can take part as an individual or maybe make it a team effort with colleagues or friends/family?
  • The in-person event at Gosling Park is suitable for riders aged 14 and over (14 to 16-year-olds to be accompanied by an adult). Children under 14 are welcome to come along and cheer on the riders!

Additional information

  • You will need to bring your own bike for the in-person event at Gosling Park
  • If you need to refresh your road safety knowledge in preparation for the challenge, please take a look at the RoSPA website
  • Please consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programme, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are unsure about your fitness level

Please contact sally.connick@fifthsense.org.uk if you have any queries

Register here

By SmellTaste
Latest News
20 March 2025

SmellTaste statement following recent media coverage on functional septorhinoplasty in patients with persistent Covid-19 related smell dysfunction

There has been recent media coverage about published research which assessed whether functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP) could improve olfactory dysfunction in patients with persistent Covid-19 related smell loss compared to a control group undergoing olfactory training (OT).

 

The study had a small sample size, with 12 people in the treatment group (being given fSRP) and 13 people in the control group. All participants had nasal structural issues that can be associated with smell impairment independently of having COVID-19, and fSRP is a surgical procedure in which surgeons straighten the cartilage and bone between the nostrils (the septum). The study design cannot exclude the possibility that the observed improvement in olfactory function amongst those in the treatment group is due entirely to improved airflow or resolution of other structural problems. No data is presented in the published paper that suggests any change in function of the smell receptors or parts of the brain that deal with smell signals, nor is any biological mechanism presented that could explain how this surgery could resolve any olfactory system damage resulting from a viral infection.

Details of published paper on Functional septorhinoplasty (fSRP):

The effectiveness of functional septorhinoplasty in improving COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction. Pendolino AL, Scarpa B, Andrews P. 

https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2535-0153

 

By SmellTaste
Latest News
22 February 2025

Marking Anosmia Awareness Day 2025

Celebrating its 14th year in 2025, Thursday 27 February is Anosmia Awareness Day.

A mainstay on the SmellTaste calendar, this annual event serves as a catalyst for raising awareness about smell and taste disorders, an area in which SmellTaste is making significant progress, but there is still much work to be done.

For 2025, SmellTaste’s Anosmia Awareness Day social media campaign focuses on some of the main issues around smell dysfunction. These are:

  • Anosmia, both congenital and acquired, and other smell and taste disorders are widely under-recognised
  • Smell loss can be an early indicator of serious conditions
  • Mental health can be seriously impacted by smell disorders
  • A high number of people with a traumatic brain injury experience smell loss
  • People with impaired smell can take simple and often free measures to stay safe at home

For SmellTaste, last year’s Anosmia Awareness Day was the biggest yet, with several partners getting on board and posting on social media to drive the conversation further.

This year we hope even more people will be inspired to support us to increase our reach, raising awareness of these under-recognised conditions and spreading the word that SmellTaste supports and represents anyone affected by a smell or taste disorder.

Please keep an eye on our social media channels on Thursday 27 February and engage with any content using the hashtag #AnosmiaAwarenessDay

The more people who support our campaign with a simple post, like, comment or share on social media, the further our vital messages will be amplified and the more we can push to get smell and taste dysfunction the recognition it needs.

Join us on Wednesday 26 February for the inaugural BeCOH webinar

SmellTaste is a founding member of the Breakthrough Consortium for Olfactory Health (BeCOH), which aims to advance the prevention, detection, and treatment of olfactory dysfunction. Register here for their introductory webinar on Wednesday 26 February. Don’t worry if you can’t attend. The webinar will be recorded and shared on our social media channels and via email to our members.

Other ways to help SmellTaste

This year, we launched our most ambitious campaign yet to raise £50,000 through a range of community-led fundraising activities that do more than just raise funds. Find out how you can join in 50 Ways to Raise 50K here.

You can also support SmellTaste by becoming a volunteer. We have a range of roles available, some taking a just few minutes of your time each week. To find out more, visit our website or email sally.connick@fifthsense.org.uk

Do you or someone you know have problems with your sense of smell and/or taste?

If you would like support or information about anosmia and other smell and taste disorders, visit our website where you can find support and resources and information sheets and support videos.

We also host online and in-person support groups where you can talk to others who understand what you are going through, share tips and advice, and build connections in a supportive environment. Please join for free as a SmellTaste member for information on our events, as well as updates on our work and more.

If you would like further support or information, you can email us at info@fifthsense.org.uk

By SmellTaste
Latest News
17 February 2025

SmellTaste statement on PRP injections for olfactory loss following recent media coverage

There has been recent media coverage about the potential for Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections as a new way of treating smell loss. 

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is derived from fresh whole blood containing a high concentration of platelets. The blood is taken from the individual receiving the treatment.  The PRP is then injected into the individual’s olfactory cleft. PRP has been explored as a potential treatment for other conditions, including arthritis.

Several research studies have been published where people with different forms of olfactory dysfunction have received a number of PRP injections over the course of several months.  Some of the people involved in the studies experienced improvements in their sense of smell, as measured by a clinically validated smell test, whilst some experienced no improvement.

At this stage, PRP injections are an experimental treatment for olfactory dysfunction that has not been approved by NICE to treat NHS patients. The studies that have been undertaken so far show that PRP may offer potential benefit to some patients affected by olfactory loss, but that more work is needed, including double-blind randomized controlled trials involving larger numbers of patients, to get a better understanding of what benefits PRP may offer, and to which patient groups.

The recent media coverage focuses on one individual who has received one injection of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) from an ENT Consultant in London.  Typically a randomised control trial would involve dozens of patients, and would assess ability to smell before and after treatment. It is unclear in this case whether a smell test was undertaken before or after the injection in order to establish the magnitude of any perceived effect.

SmellTaste supports research into better understanding the causes of olfactory dysfunction and finding new treatments.  We want to see new treatments made available to patients on the NHS as soon as possible, with these having been evaluated in clinical trials, the gold standard being double-blind randomized controlled trials.

Details of two published papers on PRP for olfactory loss:

Use of platelet-rich plasma for COVID-19–related olfactory loss: a randomized controlled trial

https://doi.org/10.1002/alr.23116  This was an initial study involving 35 people affected by post-Covid smell dysfunction, 26 of whom completed the study

Long-term Outcomes of PRP Injections for Post-viral Olfactory Loss: A Prospective Cohort Study

https://doi.org/10.1002/alr.23505

By SmellTaste