New Clinical Trial Finds Wearable Patch May Help Prevent Severe Allergic Reactions in Toddlers with Peanut Allergies

A new clinical trial has found that a wearable patch may help prevent severe allergic reactions in toddlers with peanut allergies. The trial, which involved more than 200 children between the ages of 1 and 3, found that after wearing the experimental patch around 22 hours a day for a year, 67% of the participants were able to tolerate 300 to 1,000 milligrams of peanut protein – the equivalent of one to four peanuts.

Dr. Matthew Greenhawt, the study’s lead author and director of the Food Challenge at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said the trial showed a decrease in the number of severe reactions. “Parents of allergic tots are constantly on guard against exposures that can turn birthday parties and play dates into emergency room visits,” said Dr. Greenhawt. “Peanut allergy is one of the most common and dangerous food allergies. If additional testing pans out, this would fill a huge unmet need.”

The patch, named Viaskin, is designed to deliver treatment through the skin instead of the only current treatment, which is for children 4 and older who can consume a special peanut powder to protect against a severe reaction. The patch works by exposing the body to small doses of peanut protein over time, allowing the body to build up a tolerance.

The patch is still undergoing additional testing, but if successful, it could provide a much-needed solution for parents of children with peanut allergies. Dr. Greenhawt said, “This is a potentially life-changing therapy for children with peanut allergies, and it could be available in the near future.”