Encouraging news for parents with young children who have peanut allergies: an immunotherapy skin patch containing peanut protein may effectively desensitize toddlers aged 1 to 3 years old, according to a phase 3 clinical trial. More than 360 children with peanut allergies were randomly assigned to wear the Via skin peanut patch or a placebo patch. After 12 months of treatment, 67% of children who received the immunotherapy could safely ingest the peanut protein equivalent of about 3 to 4 peanuts, compared to 33.5% in the placebo group.
The most common side effects were skin irritation and swelling at the application site. Researchers say four patients in the intervention group experienced anaphylaxis related to the treatment, but three were able to resume treatment without further episodes. Peanut allergy is one of the most serious food allergies, and there are currently no approved treatments for kids younger than four.
The editor of an accompanying editorial says "The trial results are very good news for toddlers and their families, marking the next step toward a future with more treatments for food allergies."
