French biotechnology company, DBV Technologies, has developed a patch for sufferers of peanut allergies. The FDA has yet to approve the patch, but it has been designated as a “breakthrough therapy” project and will be expedited for review.

While the patch was being tested at a Phase IIb multicenter clinical trial, it was found that the patch helped individuals by raising the amount of resistance to peanut protein that would normally cause an allergic reaction. The patch was successful at raising that amount ten times the amount, or at least of 1000 mg of peanut protein.

How Testing Was Conducted

Test groups of 220 participants between the ages of 6 and 55. Each participant was given gradually higher and higher doses of peanut protein while wearing a patch that had been infused with a certain amount of the protein.

The patch was developed in three different dosage amounts:

• 1 ^st dose: 50 micrograms
• 2 ^nd dose: 100 micrograms
• 3 ^rd dose: 250 micrograms

The 250 microgram patch proved to be most effective at helping the participants tolerate the larger doses.

Here is another interesting finding from the study. One test as divided between those who received the patch test and those who received a placebo. More volunteers reacted to the effects of the patch than the placebo, a significant discovery for the developers.

Researchers are hoping to reduce the risk of reaction in case a peanut is accidentally consumed. This can be life-saving for the nearly 15 million throughout the nation that are affected by some type of food allergies, who could potentially be killed from having a severe reaction. The patch can be especially beneficial for children who may be hesitant to receiving oral treatments or under-the-tongue therapy, since the patch adheres to the skin.

A Positive Outlook for the Future

While the patch does not promise to permanently cure someone of their peanut allergy, there is hope that consistently using it will help someone tolerate peanut proteins if ingested on accident.

The patch is set to undergo one more phase of clinical study. Participants will need to be observed over the course of the year. Researchers want to also focus on the reactions of children to the patch over the long-term. If all goes accordingly, the hope is that the patch will reach the market by 2018, if not sooner.

Looking for relief from your allergy symptoms? Do not hesitate to contact the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia today to schedule an appointment!