Skin Patch Shows Promise in Toddlers With Peanut Allergies

A late-phase clinical trial of the Viaskin Peanut patch has shown promising results in toddlers with peanut allergies, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The trial involved 362 toddlers from eight countries, with 244 receiving the Viaskin patch and 118 receiving a placebo patch. After wearing the patches daily for a year, two-thirds of the children in the Viaskin group and one-third in the placebo group met the trial's primary endpoint. The researchers also observed a shift towards less severe food challenge reactions in the Viaskin group. Adverse events were common, with application-site reactions being the most frequent. Serious events were reported in both groups, with a higher rate in the Viaskin group. Anaphylaxis, a dangerous allergic reaction, occurred more frequently in the Viaskin group. However, only four reactions were deemed related to the treatment. The study has limitations, including a lack of racial diversity among participants. Peanut allergies affect an estimated 2.5% of US children, and there are currently no approved treatment options for younger children. The Viaskin Peanut patch has the potential to provide a new treatment option for toddlers with peanut allergies, reducing the need for avoidance and improving quality of life.

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Photo Credit: Vladislav Nikonov