A new clinical trial has shown that exposure therapy can help adults with peanut allergies build resistance to peanuts safely. The study, published in the journal Allergy, revealed that over 67 per cent of participants were able to tolerate at least five peanuts without experiencing an immune reaction.

This trial is the first of its kind to test exposure therapy in adults. Exposure therapy is a common treatment for children with food allergies, as their immune systems are still developing. In this treatment, patients receive daily doses of the food they are allergic to, which helps their bodies build a tolerance over time.

According to Stephen Till, a senior researcher and professor of allergy at King’s College London, peanut allergies can place a huge burden on people, as they live with the constant fear of life-threatening reactions. Currently, the only way to manage a peanut allergy is to avoid peanuts completely and treat allergic reactions with medication like adrenaline. However, Till noted that this trial provides early evidence that adults can also undergo desensitization, which may improve their quality of life.

During the trial, the average amount of peanuts participants were able to tolerate increased by 100 times. The trial involved 21 adults aged 18 to 40 who had peanut allergies. These participants were treated with daily doses of peanut flour mixed into their food. The aim was to help them reach a daily dose of one gram of peanut flour without any allergic reaction for at least four weeks. Afterwards, they were either given a dose of peanuts or a placebo in a random challenge.

After the trial, participants continued their daily dosing for an additional three months. Till expressed his satisfaction with the results, saying that the effectiveness of the therapy was similar to peanut oral immunotherapy trials in children. The next step in research will involve larger trials to confirm the findings and determine which adult patients are most likely to benefit from the therapy. Researchers will also investigate whether this therapy can lead to long-term tolerance in adults.

Hannah Hunter, the lead researcher and a specialist allergy dietitian at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized how peanut allergies can impact people’s daily lives. She explained that people with peanut allergies often live in constant anxiety, worrying that their food might have been inadvertently exposed to peanuts. This fear can make everyday activities like eating out, attending social events, or travelling stressful. Further, it can influence their career choices.

Hunter noted that after completing the oral immunotherapy, many participants reported significant improvements in their quality of life. They also experienced less fear around food. Several participants even called the treatment life-changing.

One participant, a 28-year-old man named Chris, had been allergic to peanuts since childhood. He shared that he was proud to be part of the trial and was no longer worried about his peanut allergy. “Me and my family were always anxious that even a trace of peanut could be life-threatening,” Chris said. He explained that the trial began with him eating a small amount of peanut flour mixed with yogurt, and by the end, he was able to eat four peanuts in one sitting. Chris now eats four peanuts every day to maintain his immunity.

Before the trial, even a small mistake in food preparation could have led to life-threatening consequences. Now, Chris no longer lives in fear of accidentally consuming peanuts, saying he no longer worries about the risks when eating out or ordering a takeaway.

This trial marks an important step in the treatment of peanut allergies in adults, offering hope for improved management of the condition and a better quality of life for those affected.

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