World-first human trials of a new treatment for peanut allergy likened to a "heat-seeking missile" will soon start, with hopes it could eventually stop reactions to shellfish. or signup to continue reading About three in every 100 Australian children have a peanut allergy and current treatments focus on reducing symptoms rather than stopping it at the source. However, the new medication targets antibodies in the body's own immune system that cause reactions and aims to alter them and stop the response from happening.
From September, phase one trials will be conducted in Australia by US-based biotechnology company IgGenix with Fiona Stanley Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Monash Health. It's the first time such a treatment has been used to treat a food allergy, Fiona Stanley consultant immunologist Michael O'Sullivan told AAP. He said scientists and doctors have been talking about a treatment like this for two decades and it's exciting Australian hospitals were involved from such an early stage.
"This is a really significant step forward in providing potential future treatment, which will actually take away that risk of having allergic reactions and anaphylaxis from accidentally eating peanuts," Dr O'Sullivan said. It would likely be a good option for teenagers and adults who still have a peanut allergy, he said, with one dose of the medication potentially offering protection for several weeks or months. The new medication acts like a "heat-se.