A New Approach to Treat Peanut Allergy in Toddlers: Results from Phase 3 Epicutaneous Immunotherapy Trial | NEJM
Peanut allergy is a very serious condition, and for decades there have been no effective treatments available. However, a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has shown promising results for the use of epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) to treat peanut allergy in toddlers. Read on to find out more about this exciting breakthrough.
What is Epicutaneous Immunotherapy?
Epicutaneous immunotherapy involves the use of a patch containing allergens. The patch is applied to the skin, usually on the arm or back, and left in place for a prescribed period of time. During this time, the allergen is absorbed through the skin and into the body, which helps to desensitize the immune system to the allergen over time.
Results of Phase 3 Epicutaneous Immunotherapy Trial
The Phase 3 clinical trial, which involved 356 children aged between 9 and 36 months, showed that EPIT was effective in significantly reducing the severity of allergic reactions to peanut. The study participants were given either a peanut patch or a placebo patch to wear for 12 months. After this time, the children who had been given the peanut patch were able to safely consume the equivalent of 3-4 peanuts without experiencing an allergic reaction.
This is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of peanut allergy and could potentially provide millions of people with a life-changing solution to this condition.
What are the Benefits of Epicutaneous Immunotherapy?
One of the main benefits of EPIT is that it is a non-invasive treatment. Unlike other allergy treatments, such as oral immunotherapy, EPIT does not require a child to swallow potentially allergenic foods or take medication. Instead, it uses a simple patch that can be worn at home.
Another benefit of EPIT is that it has the potential to provide long-lasting protection against peanut allergy. The study showed that the desensitization effect of EPIT continued even after participants stopped wearing the peanut patch.
Hashtags: #PeanutAllergyTreatment #EpicutaneousImmunotherapy #NEJMstudy
Summary
A new study published in the NEJM has shown that epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) can effectively reduce the severity of allergic reactions to peanuts, providing a potentially life-changing treatment for millions of people. The non-invasive treatment uses a patch that desensitizes the immune system to the allergen over time. The study showed that the desensitization effect continued even after participants stopped wearing the peanut patch. #HEALTH