A new trial shows that adults with peanut allergy can reduce their risk of reactions by eating a little peanut protein every day. This method, already used to desensitise children, could offer a promising new approach for managing peanut allergies in adults.
After receiving gradually increasing doses of peanut flour over several months, two-thirds of the trial participants were able to consume the equivalent of five peanuts without experiencing an allergic reaction.
“This trial provides preliminary evidence that adults can be desensitized and that this improves quality of life. The average tolerated dose of peanuts increased 100-fold over the course of the trial,” said study author Stephen Till, MD, PhD, professor of allergy at King’s College London in England, in a press release.
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The Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI) trial led by researchers at King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust recruited 21 adults aged 18 to 40 with peanut allergies. Three participants dropped out of the study due to allergic reactions, while three others left due to reasons unrelated to the treatment.
Participants were given escalating doses of peanut flour, starting at 0.8mg, then 1.5mg, and 3mg, each 30 minutes apart. Those who tolerated these low doses—less than 1% of a peanut—were continued on a daily dose at home for two weeks. They gradually increased their dose to 1g (four peanuts) under supervision. After three months, 67% could consume 1.4g (five peanuts) without reacting.
Some patients took longer than others to desensitise – time on the trial ranged from eight to 14 months before the pandemic, although Covid-related delays meant the process took 23 months for some participants.
After the trial, participants continued daily peanut consumption to maintain desensitisation. However, they were still considered allergic and advised not to exceed their daily dose and to carry an EpiPen.
Peanut allergy, one of the most common allergies, occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognises proteins in peanuts as a threat. Symptoms can vary from mild itching or hives to severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. While peanut allergies are often diagnosed in childhood, they can persist into adulthood.
