Peanut allergies might be eradicated.
New clinical trial findings reveal that exposure therapy can be a safe and effective method for helping adults with peanut allergies build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions.
According to results published in the journal Allergy, approximately 67% of adult participants were able to consume the equivalent of at least five peanuts without experiencing an immune response after undergoing the therapy.
This marks the first study of its kind to focus on adults, as previous desensitization efforts have largely targeted children, whose developing immune systems are more adaptable. The treatment involves gradually introducing tiny, controlled amounts of peanut protein to help individuals develop resistance.
“Living with a peanut allergy often means living with a constant sense of danger,” said Professor Stephen Till, an allergy specialist at King’s College London and lead investigator on the study. “Until now, the only form of management has been strict avoidance and readiness to treat reactions with medications like epinephrine.”
While similar immunotherapy approaches have proven beneficial in younger patients, Till emphasized that this research offers early signs that adults may also benefit significantly. “Over the course of the study, we observed a 100-fold increase in the average amount of peanut that could be safely tolerated,” he explained.
The trial enrolled 21 adults between the ages of 18 and 40 who had confirmed peanut allergies. Each participant consumed small daily amounts of peanut flour mixed with food, with the goal of reaching a stable daily intake of one gram without adverse effects over a four-week period. After achieving that benchmark, participants were randomly given either a peanut challenge dose or a placebo, followed by a continuation of the treatment for at least three more months.
“The outcomes were encouraging,” said Till. “They align well with what we’ve seen in pediatric trials, showing similar levels of effectiveness.”
Future research will aim to replicate these results in larger populations and determine which individuals are most likely to benefit. Researchers are also interested in whether such treatment can lead to long-lasting tolerance.
Lead dietitian Hannah Hunter of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, who also worked on the study, noted that adults with peanut allergies often face significant daily stress. “Whether it’s dining out, attending social gatherings, or even selecting a career, the risk of accidental exposure weighs heavily on patients,” she said.
“After the immunotherapy, many participants experienced reduced anxiety and a notable improvement in their quality of life,” Hunter added. “Several even described the impact as life-changing.”
One such participant was 28-year-old Chris, who had dealt with peanut allergies since infancy. “I’m thrilled to say I’m no longer allergic to peanuts, thanks to this trial,” he said. “My family and I lived in fear of even the smallest exposure.”
Chris described the emotional shift in his relationship with peanuts during the study: “At first, even the smell triggered anxiety because I associated it with danger. But now, I start my mornings with four peanuts to maintain my tolerance.”
He concluded, “What once could have sent me to the hospital is now just a normal part of my breakfast. I no longer live in fear that a simple meal could end in a medical emergency.”
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