Breakthrough treatment for peanut allergies in children approved for use in the US
- AR101 has been approved as treatment for peanut allergies for use in the US
- The drug gradually reduces sensitivity to the nuts in those who are intolerant
- It won’t cure the allergy but reduce the severity of a reaction to peanuts
- AR101 should not be used instead of emergency options such as an EpiPen
A treatment for peanut allergies in children has been approved for use in the US.
The drug, AR101, which is also called Palforzia, gradually reduces sensitivity to the nuts in those who are intolerant.
Allergy sufferers aged four to 17 are given tiny amounts of nut protein over six months.
Scientists have found a treatment for peanut allergies in children (stock). The drug, AR101, gradually reduces sensitivity to the nuts in those who are intolerant and has been approved for use in the US
They start by consuming a small amount of the powder, which can be sprinkled over food or drinks, with the quantity gradually increased. Initially, the drug is given under medical supervision.
Although makers say Palforzia will not cure peanut allergies altogether, the drug should reduce the severity of an allergic reaction to peanuts.
While the drug wont cure the allergy, it will reduce the severity of an allergic reaction to peanuts. It is not meant to be used instead of emergency options such as an EpiPen (pictured)
It should boost resistance in those who are allergic to peanuts, but is not meant to be used instead of emergency options such as an EpiPen.
AR101 is the first drug of its kind to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It has not, however, been approved for use in Britain.
The cost to the NHS is likely to be several thousand pounds a year per patient.
Last year, scientists at King’s College London said that oral immunotherapy offered ‘protection but not a cure’ for peanut allergies, with treatment only effective while patients continued taking small amounts of the allergen.
