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An experimental patch may soon offer more protection for children with peanut allergies, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The patch, called Viaskin, is coated with small amounts of peanut protein, which the skin absorbs and protects many parents against accidental peanut ingestion at birthday parties, school lunches or games.
Dr. Matthew Greenhot, an allergist at Children's Hospital Colorado who participated in the study, told the Associated Press that if the additional tests work, "it will fill a huge unmet need."
There is no cure for food allergies. According to FARE, one of the largest private funders of food allergy research, there are 6.1 million Americans with peanut allergies.
About 2 percent of children in the United States have peanut allergies, some so severe that even minor exposure can be life-threatening. The immune system reacts to foods containing peanuts, leading to hives, hives, or worse, a cascade of infections. Some children outgrow their allergies, but most need to avoid eating peanuts for life and carry life-saving products to prevent a serious reaction if they accidentally ingest the allergen.
In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first peanut-tolerant drug, Palforzia, an "oral immunotherapy" that children ages 4 to 17 take daily to maintain immunity.
A new study involving dozens of medical professionals from the United States and abroad involved a sample of 362 children with peanut allergies. The children were first tested to see how much they could tolerate peanut protein. They were then randomly assigned to use either a Viaskin patch or a similar placebo patch daily.
After a year of treatment, they tested it again, and about two-thirds of the children using the Viaskin patch safely consumed more peanut protein. One in three children given a lollipop can safely eat more peanuts, but Greenhot said it's possible for these children to outgrow their allergy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of deaths due to allergic reactions to any food is in the hundreds per year. However, there are about 200,000 emergency room visits each year due to food allergies.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.