In a long-term analysis, toddlers who started with a placebo and then used the peanut patch for up to three years showed sustained improvements, with over 70% tolerating the equivalent of three to four peanut kernels after three years and nearly half tolerating higher amounts.

The treatment maintained a favorable safety profile, with no treatment-related anaphylaxis reported in the third year and a decrease in patch-site skin irritation over time.

Dr. Matthew Greenhawt highlighted the strong safety profile and ongoing improvement in tolerance, suggesting the approach may offer peace of mind to parents of toddlers with peanut allergies in the future.

Speaker: Matthew Greenhawt, MD, MBA, allergist and lead author.

Researchers caution that parents should not attempt peanut desensitization at home and should consult board-certified allergists for treatment options.

The study supports the potential of early intervention in peanut allergy to alter the disease course and reduce risk from accidental exposure, though experts emphasize that peanut desensitization should not be attempted at home and should involve a board-certified allergist.

Researchers emphasized that peanut desensitisation should not be attempted at home and advised consultation with a qualified allergist to discuss treatment options.

The study was presented at the ACAAI annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, underscoring the growing evidence for early intervention in peanut allergy.

Findings were presented at the ACAAI annual scientific meeting in Orlando, Florida, and underscore the potential importance of early intervention in peanut allergies.

Context: Peanut allergy affects about 2% of U.S. children and is a leading cause of severe reactions; early intervention may alter the allergy’s course.

The research was funded by DBV Technologies, and the abstract title is Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Epicutaneous Immunotherapy in Peanut-Allergic Toddlers: Epopex End of Study Results.

Authors and context: M. Greenhawt, MD, MBA, and colleagues report Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Epicutaneous Immunotherapy in Peanut-Allergic Toddlers: Epopex End of Study Results.

The patch delivers small amounts of peanut protein through the skin to train the immune system and reduce the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposure.