US researchers develop skin patch for peanut allergy

A team of researchers at Mount Sinai have developed a patch that delivers peanut protein via the skin for reducing peanut allergy among adults and children.

 

Researchers think that using a skin patch to deliver the protein may be more safe and effective than using a pill, which carries the risk of triggering allergy, just as eating a peanut would.

 

 

Experts have referred to the findings as evidence of real hope for people who must continuously watch what they eat in case they consume peanut protein, exposure to which can trigger reactions ranging from a mild rash through to anaphylactic shock. 

 

The researchers now want to replicate the technique in a far larger study, to determine the optimum dosage for the patch.

 

The ongoing clinical trial contributes towards a growing body of preliminary research into epicutaneous immunotherapy for treating peanut allergy and is one step further towards developing a much needed safe and effective treatment to address the increasing prevalence of food allergy.