A groundbreaking trial for a new peanut allergy treatment is set to begin in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. The new medication targets antibodies in the body’s own immune system that cause peanut allergy reactions, aiming to alter them and stop an allergic response from happening.
From September, phase one trials will be conducted by US-based biotechnology company IgGenix with Fiona Stanley Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Monash Health. Prominent immunologists from these centres recently met in Melbourne to finalise trial details.
About 24 trial participants aged 15 to 55 are needed to take part in the trial, where they will receive the medication and be closely monitored over several months. Participants will be given a very small control dose of peanut to see if the drug is safe and effective. It is hoped one dose of the medication may offer protection for several weeks or months; four injections may provide protection for up to a year.
If successful, the peanut therapy trial is expected to be conducted over five years. IgGenix is concurrently developing similar products for other allergies to offer solutions beyond peanut.
See the Australian Associated Press media release for further details.
