Allergy immunotherapy research round up
- 04 December 2023
- Healthcare News
- News
- Research
There’s a lot of research exploring immunotherapy for people with allergies at the moment. Immunotherapy is a treatment that introduces a person to small amounts of their allergen to desensitise their immune system and prevent or reduce the severity of future reactions. Here’s a round-up of studies published in the last month.
Learn more about immunotherapy
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast track research for a single immunotherapy that can treat multiple foods
The FDA has granted a fast track designation to biopharmaceutical company Alladapt Immunotherapeutics for their multi-food oral immunotherapy ADP101. The FDA’s decision was based on the success of an earlier study called the Harmony trial which tested immunotherapy for people with one or more food allergies including nuts, dairy and seafood. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 61 under-18s and 12 adults. More than half (55%) of the under 18s being treated were able to tolerate at least 600mg of protein from one or more of the relevant foods. The next trial is planned for 2024 and is expected to last one year
A new toothpaste could be used to prevent serious allergic reactions to peanuts
A safety trial of 32 adults has found that using a toothpaste containing small amounts of peanut protein did not cause any allergic serious reactions. The adults used the toothpaste for two minutes a day for 11 months, making it an easier method than injections. Studies to explore how well it works for preventing reactions are planned.
An extra 12 months of treatment improves the effects of a skin patch-based immotherapy for toddlers
The EPOPEX study has shown that continuing treatment using skin patches for one year improves the effects of immunotherapy. The EPOPEX study is an extension of the EPITOPE study that tested a skin patch called Viaskin Peanut, made by DBV Technologies, also for one year in toddlers.
DBV Technologies to start additional safety trials for the skin patch in different age groups following feedback from the FDA, in order to gain approval for this treatment.
New study shows sublingual immunotherapy is effective in young children with peanut allergy
Low doses of peanut taken under the tongue have been shown to improve tolerance of peanuts in young children. Researches in the US have completed a trial examining the safety and efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy and found it has potential for long lasting effects and is most effective in young children.
