Peanut Allergy? These Patches Might Save Your Life
They may be simple patches, but a new study suggests they could transform the lives of millions of parents and children. "A new hope for toddlers and their families."
(Photo: shutterstock)Parents of children with peanut allergies know just how complicated daily life can be. The allergy presents complex situations and numerous challenges for parents who must be vigilant to ensure their toddler avoids the food that can threaten their life.
That's why the "peanut patches" from the French biopharmaceutical company DBV Technologies could be a significant development for both parents and kids. This study involved a double-blind randomized trial of the Viaskin Peanut patch on children aged one to three who have been diagnosed with peanut allergies.
The trial included 362 toddlers from eight countries. Of these, 244 were randomly assigned to receive the Viaskin patch, which contains 250 micrograms of peanut protein — about 1/1000th of a single peanut — while 118 received a placebo patch. The patches were applied daily between the child's shoulder blades for a year. After a year, they retested the children's peanut allergy.
The outcome was surprising: children with relatively mild allergies were safely able to consume peanut protein equivalent to three or four peanuts, and those with more severe allergies could handle the equivalent of one peanut.
But what about side effects?
The patches are not free from side effects; nearly all the young participants experienced redness, itching, and swelling. 7.8% of those receiving Viaskin and 3.4% of those who received the placebo experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
"I see peanut-allergic patients in my clinic every day. I talk to parents who experience anxiety and a lowered quality of life from the fear of life-threatening reactions," says Dr. Matthew Greenhawt of the Children's Hospital in Colorado, "Viaskin's peanut patches could potentially offer new hope for toddlers and their families in the future."
