Is It Possible to Eliminate Peanut Sensitivity?
A peanut allergy can be a life-altering condition, with reactions ranging from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. However, recent advancements in medical research are providing hope for those affected. Current and emerging treatments for peanut allergies primarily focus on oral immunotherapy (OIT) approaches designed to increase tolerance and reduce the severity of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
The only FDA-approved treatment currently available is PALFORZIA, an oral peanut allergen powder for children aged 1 to 17 years. This treatment works by administering monitored, gradually increasing doses of peanut protein under medical supervision to build controlled tolerability. PALFORZIA aims to reduce the severity of allergic reactions from accidental peanut exposure and eventually maintains desensitization with a daily dose at home.
Beyond PALFORZIA, new therapies are in development, such as INP20, an innovative oral vaccine using nanoparticle technology. INP20 delivers a controlled release of peanut allergens in the gut with reduced systemic absorption, aiming to mask allergens from immune detection and promote immunomodulation by targeting antigen-presenting cells. The goal is to induce long-term tolerance safely. INP20 is currently in Phase I/II trials.
Clinical studies show that low-dose oral immunotherapy in young children (ages 1–4) can significantly increase the ability to tolerate peanut protein after one year compared to avoidance alone. Quality of life also improves with OIT, although there are some treatment-related adverse events, which are typically mild.
Immunotherapy options generally include oral (OIT), sublingual (SLIT), and subcutaneous (SCIT) routes, with oral immunotherapy emerging as a promising approach for peanut allergy. OIT shifts the immune response from an IgE-mediated allergic reaction toward immune regulation, often increasing regulatory T cells and blocking antibodies (IgG4). While OIT can desensitize 68–84% of children, adverse events such as systemic reactions and eosinophilic esophagitis occur, making specialist supervision and careful patient selection necessary.
Recent research emphasizes that variability in patient response to oral immunotherapy may relate to underlying immune cell differences. Understanding these differences through multi-omics profiling may help personalize treatments in the future to improve efficacy and safety for individual patients.
Summary:
| Treatment | Description | Potential Benefit | Limitations/Considerations | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | PALFORZIA (FDA-approved) | Oral peanut allergen powder, gradually increasing doses in children | Reduces reaction severity; builds controlled tolerance | Requires medical supervision; daily maintenance dose | | INP20 (Emerging) | Nanoparticle oral vaccine delivering controlled peanut allergen release | Aims to induce long-term tolerance with good safety | In Phase I/II clinical trials | | Low-dose OIT in young children | Parent-measured low doses over 12 months compared to avoidance | Increases tolerance, improves quality of life | Some adverse events; not suitable for all | | Oral Immunotherapy (general) | Controlled antigen exposure to modify immune response | Desensitization in majority; reduces anaphylaxis risk | Risk of adverse events; needs specialist care |
These therapies represent significant advances by not only reducing the severity of allergic reactions but also aiming toward inducing a sustained or long-term tolerant state through immune modulation and desensitization protocols. As research continues, we can expect to see further advancements in the treatment of peanut allergies.
