The latest in treatments for peanut allergies (and other food allergies)…

If you’ve tuned in to the news lately, you’ve likely heard that a treatment or two for peanut allergies is on their way, with one already planned for availability in 2018(!).

The first? A quarter-sized patch, dubbed Viaskin® Peanut, which our younger kids will wear on their backs and our teenagers and older children will place on their upper arms. It’s designed to release the peanut protein as it senses their sweat in order to build their immunity and gradually increase their tolerance to peanuts. (Viaskin Milk is also in development!)

The other? It’s a capsule, currently called AR101, containing peanut flour and other pharmaceutical ingredients, which will be blended with food in order to be taken. The plan is for initial doses to be administered at the allergist’s office, followed by maintenance doses given at home.

Both treatments have shown positive results and are set to enter phase 3 of their trials this year, with Viaskin Peanut the one slated for release in the U.S. in early 2018.

For peanut allergy parents and even food allergy parents, these announcements bring a mix of emotions… HOPE that our kids’ chances of anaphylaxis will be minimized with these treatments and FEAR of the possibility of anaphylaxis from the use of these methods to build their immunity.

Where do YOUR emotions sit on this scale? Are you excited, scared or both?

Iris

P.S. Let’s continue to discuss these treatments as they get closer. You can stay in the loop when you sign up for my newsletter.