New Study Offers Hope for Adult Peanut Allergy Desensitization, But Caution Advised
April 24, 2025
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton highlighted the significance of this research, stating it could transform the lives of those with peanut allergies in the UK and potentially worldwide.
Personal accounts from participants, such as Chris Lassiter, illustrate the severe impact of peanut allergies on daily life, including multiple hospitalizations due to allergic reactions.
Recent research published in the journal Allergy has shown promising results in desensitizing adults with peanut allergies, with 18 participants involved in the study.
This study is particularly significant as previous desensitization treatments primarily focused on children, leaving adults without similar options until now.
However, researchers noted that not all participants were successfully desensitized, indicating the need for larger trials to better understand the variability in reactions.
Experts stress that medical supervision is essential when administering oral immunotherapy, as individuals should not attempt to self-treat.
Peanut allergies affect approximately one in 200 adults and one in 50 children, with many individuals continuing to suffer from these allergies into adulthood.
Despite the success in desensitization, participants are still considered allergic and must continue to avoid exceeding their daily dose and carry an EpiPen for emergencies.
By the end of the trial, two-thirds of these adults were able to consume the equivalent of five peanuts without experiencing allergic reactions.
Chief investigator Stephen Till emphasized the importance of further research to confirm these results and cautioned that treatment should only be administered under close medical supervision.
Dr. Joao Pedro Matias Lopes also warned that this treatment is not a cure, and maintaining tolerance may require lifelong adherence to peanut consumption.
Blood tests from the study indicated increased levels of IgG antibodies post-treatment, which could counteract the allergy-causing IgE antibodies.
Summary based on 19 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Apr 24, 2025
Daily peanut exposure can desensitise allergic adults, study suggests
BBC News • Apr 23, 2025
'My peanut allergy nearly killed me - now I eat them every day'
Yahoo Life • Apr 25, 2025
A peanut a day could keep allergy at bay, academics find
The Independent • Apr 23, 2025
Man hospitalised by peanut allergy now eats nuts daily