Recent developments offer hope for better allergy management
Significant progress is being made in the battle against peanut allergy. Several recent milestones in different countries mark positive steps towards more effective treatments and better management.
- US approves use of oral immunotherapy drug in toddlers with peanut allergy
On July 26, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the oral immunotherapy drug Palforzia for initiation of treatment, up-dosing and maintenance in individuals aged 1 to 3 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy to mitigate allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanuts. Palforzia has been approved since January 2020 for initiation of treatment in individuals aged 4 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy with up-dosing and maintenance in individuals aged 4 years and older.
- Australia launches national peanut allergy immunotherapy program in babies
Babies with peanut allergies in Australia will be offered a treatment program under a pioneering model aimed at transforming allergy care. Ten children’s hospitals have partnered with the government-funded National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE) to introduce a nationwide peanut oral immunotherapy program. Children taking part in the free program will follow a carefully planned daily dosing schedule of peanut powder, taken at home, over a two-year period. The program is currently only open to children under 12 months of age who have been diagnosed with peanut allergy and are receiving care from an allergist at one of the participating hospitals. If the program proves successful, more hospitals and allergy clinics are expected to join in the future.
- Pioneering trial to study antibody therapy against peanut allergy
A new antibody therapy holds the potential to offer year-long protection from severe allergic reactions with just four injections. A phase 1 randomized controlled trial launched this summer in Australia will study the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the new antibody therapy. The study aims to enroll 24 participants between the ages of 15 and 55 and is expected to be completed in late 2025.