Adults with severe peanut allergies can be safely desensitised through daily exposure, according to the first clinical trial of its kind.
Conducted at King’s College London, the Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI) trial showed that two-thirds of participants could eat the equivalent of five peanuts without reacting after gradually increasing their intake over several months.
“Constant fear of life-threatening reactions place a huge burden on people with peanut allergy,” said Professor Stephen Till, who led the research. “The only way to manage a peanut allergy is strict avoidance and treatment of allergic reactions, including with adrenaline. Although peanut immunotherapy is known to be effective in children, this trial provides preliminary evidence that adults can also be desensitised and that this improves quality of life.”
The trial involved 21 adults aged 18 to 40 with clinically diagnosed peanut allergies. Starting with extremely low doses—less than 1 percent of a peanut—participants gradually increased their intake under supervision every two weeks.
Once they reached a 1g dose (about four peanuts), they continued with that daily amount for three months. Afterward, 67 percent were able to consume 1.4g of peanut protein (around five peanuts) without a reaction.
“Living with peanut allergy is a huge burden due to the need for constant vigilance and the risk of accidental exposures,” said Hannah Hunter, lead author and specialist allergy dietitian at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. “Many participants who completed the trial told us that the treatment had been life-changing and they were no longer living in fear.”
The desensitisation process varied, with trial durations ranging from eight to 14 months before the pandemic, and up to 23 months for some due to Covid-related delays. Participants were still considered allergic and advised to stick to their daily dose and carry adrenaline auto-injectors.
Chris, 28, who was diagnosed as a baby, said, “Now, I have four peanuts every day with my breakfast to maintain my immunity. Before, a tiny mistake could have life-threatening impacts but now I don’t have the fear that I might collapse and die from eating a takeaway.”
Prof Adam Fox from King’s College London added, “This study shows that for many, oral immunotherapy for peanut, at least, can still make a real difference.”
Source: The Guardian
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