The UK will soon have a treatment that can reduce or eliminate peanut allergy in children.
Europe’s first licensed drug for children between four and 17 years will be given to them. This reduces their sensitivity to food. The child is exposed to small amounts of peanut allergens over several weeks.
The treatment, called Palforzia, reportedly costs up to £8,000 per patient per year, but will be offered at a discounted price after a deal was struck with NHS England.
Emily Pratt (centre), aged nine, has been treated for a peanut allergy through a medical trial at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Her mother, Sophie Pratt (left), said it had ‘changed our lives’
Following approval by NICE, which is a watchdog for health and care excellence (healthwatchdog), Palforzia will be made available by the NHS within three months.
Peanut allergies can lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock in children as high as one-fifth of 50 in the UK. This happens when the immune system reacts too strongly to peanuts.
Professor Gillian Leng, chief executive at NICE, said: ‘While it is rare for a peanut allergy to be fatal in the UK, the consequences of accidental exposure to peanuts can be severe, with some people needing to self-administer adrenaline and have emergency care if they are exposed to peanuts.
‘I am pleased that we’re able to recommend a treatment that could improve the quality of life for children and young people with a peanut allergy, and their carers.’
Peanut allergy can develop early in life and it is difficult to treat.
However, British studies have shown that giving peanut butter to high-risk babies –those who have eczema or are sensitive to certain foods – can more than halve their risk of developing an allergy to peanuts, if done in the first three months.
There has been a general shift in medical thinking away from avoiding peanuts at all costs to carefully building up children’s tolerance.
Palforzia applies this method to children already suffering from a peanut allergy.
The drug, made by Aimmune Therapeutics UK and taken as a capsule or powder, contains gradually increasing amounts of peanut protein, increasing the body’s ability to tolerate small amounts of peanut and helping to reduce the severity of allergic reactions when exposed to it.
The drug is administered monthly to the children. This allows them to build tolerance over time.
European children between the ages of four and 17 years will receive this licensed drug. This reduces their sensitivity to peanut allergens, over several months. Emily Pratt took part in the peanut allergy trial.
Emily Pratt, aged nine, has been treated for a peanut allergy through a medical trial at Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Her mother, Sophie, said it had ‘changed our lives’, adding: ‘Emily is free from limits and the fear that the tiniest mistake could put her life at risk.’
This year 600 to 2,000 children will be treated.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said: ‘This pioneering treatment can be life-changing for patients and their families.
‘It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years, and carrying around emergency medication just in case.’