New peanut-allergy drug could be a breakthrough
Gillian Waddell, MD of Fuel PR
Allergy is one of the most common chronic diseases in Europe. Over 44% of British Adults suffer from an allergy and over the past 20 years there has been a 615% increase in anaphylaxis hospital admissions. It was reassuring to read in the New England Journal of Medicine that they are getting closer to finding some solutions and cures. Peanut allergy is extremely difficult to manage for children and their families, as they must follow a strict peanut-free diet. Allergy UK is a fantastic organisation, which provides a range of information to help people who live with allergies.
Participants in the study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine were gradually given an increasing amount of peanut to increase tolerance.
Prof George du Toit, a consultant at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, said:
“The results of this ground-breaking study are very promising and suggest that we will be able to protect children who are allergic to peanuts from having a severe reaction after accidental exposure”.
President and CEO of Aimmune Jayson Dallas commented on this new breakthrough.
“This publication in the New England Journal of Medicine signifies our progress and momentum towards making an approved therapy available to the millions of families who want a robust, reliable peanut allergy treatment that can provide protection in cases of accidental exposures. We are excited to be submitting our applications for marketing approval in the United States next month and in Europe in the middle of next year”.
Allergic reactions, particularly to nuts, often makes headline news. A major airline and food retailer are currently under investigation due to an allergy death. There are also many debates on how ingredients – especially nuts – should be displayed on food packaging and whether nuts should be served in certain public places at all.
These new findings, on methods to reduce peanut allergy, could be life changing.
Written by Gillian Waddell, MD of Fuel PR
Fuel PR creates tailored strategic communications programmes for national and international businesses, to deliver against specific commercial objectives. If you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss PR opportunities for your brand, please email Gillian@fuelrefuel.com