First patient in Europe recruited in a peanut allergy trial for children under four years old

The NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) has successfully recruited the first patient in Europe, in a peanut allergy study in children under four years old.

Peanut allergy is a common and serious condition that is associated with severe reactions, including anaphylaxis – a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Peanut allergy, unlike many other types of food allergy, is usually a life-long condition, with approximately 80% of patients remaining allergic to peanuts as adults.

Although there currently is no cure for food allergies, treatment to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions is being developed. This “Peanut Oral Immunotherapy Study of Early Intervention for Desensitization” (POSEIDON) study is testing an experimental medication AR101, which contains peanut in the form of peanut powder. Patients will receive a small and increasing amount of peanut through this study drug, over time, to test the safety and effectiveness of the treatment for children under four. In previous studies AR101 has been successfully tested in children over four years old, and in adults.

We are incredibly grateful to our patients and their families for their contribution to this important work. The incidence of food allergy is increasing. This research could be an invaluable step towards helping some of these individuals, particularly those with severe allergic reactions to peanuts. 

Doctor Vibha Sharma, National Investigator

The study is being carried out at multiple sites in the United States and Europe (Germany, Ireland, France, and the UK). 

 

The Sponsor of this study is Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.