A clinical trial underway in Australia is testing a novel injectable therapy that blocks the immune system’s response to peanuts, preventing the cascade of allergic reactions that can lead to anaphylaxis.
Led by researchers at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Western Australia and supported by the National Allergy Centre of Excellence, the Phase 1 ACCELERATE Peanut Study is evaluating a medication developed by U.S. biotech firm IgGenix which is based on re-engineered antibodies. Unlike traditional desensitisation methods that involve gradually consuming allergens, this approach does not trigger allergic symptoms, making it a safer and more accessible option for many.
The medication acts like a shield, neutralising the allergen before the immune system can react. While it does not cure the allergy, it offers temporary protection, with each dose potentially lasting one to three months.
In the Phase 1 trial, participants aged 15 to 55 with severe peanut allergies receive the injection and then consume a small amount of peanut under medical supervision. Currently, four sites in Australia are involved in the trial, with this expected to grow during subsequent Phase 1B and Phase 2 studies.
If proven safe and effective, this innovation could significantly reduce the consequences of accidental exposure, offering peace of mind to those with food allergies and their families. It may also pave the way for similar treatments for other food allergens and atopic conditions like hay fever.
For more information, see the University of Western Australia website.
