Peanut allergy therapy: A saving grace for children with peanut allergies powered by science

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• April 18, 2022

Insight summary

New treatments for peanut allergies, including oral immunotherapy and blocking specific proteins, are poised to change the lives of individuals and families by reducing fear and anxiety associated with this common allergy. The wider acceptance of these therapies could lead to shifts in the food industry, increased demand for peanut-based products, and the development of more inclusive dining experiences. The long-term implications of this trend include the need for clinical tests, early screening programs, sensitization in schools, development of similar solutions for other allergies, and considerations for sustainable farming and manufacturing practices.

Peanut allergy therapy context

A 2020 study at the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute has shown that regularly exposing children with peanut allergies to small quantities of allergens in a real-world setting can considerably reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Peanut allergy ranks second among the most common food allergies among children.

Peanut allergies can be fatal or catastrophic and are often a lifelong predicament for patients. One out of 50 children and one out of 200 adults suffer from this allergy, with current estimates being that peanut allergies affect 1.1 percent of the general population. Biologically, a peanut allergy occurs when the immune system falsely identifies a particular protein in peanuts as harmful. The immune system then produces immunoglobulin to attack and eliminate the perceived threat, leading to allergic reactions.

Peanut allergies can manifest in different ways depending on individual physiological systems. The most common are tightness in the throat, wheezing, and diarrhea accompanied by vomiting. The only remedy (until now) for a peanut allergy is an emergency shot of epinephrine. 

Disruptive impact

The recent discoveries in treating peanut allergies through oral immunotherapy and the blocking of specific proteins (IL-4 and IL-13) have the potential to transform lives on an individual level. For those who suffer from peanut allergies, these treatments can eliminate the constant fear and anxiety associated with accidental exposure to peanuts. Children who undergo these therapies may grow up without the limitations that allergies often impose, allowing them to enjoy a wider variety of foods and social experiences. The emotional relief for families, knowing that their children are less at risk in environments like schools and parties, cannot be overstated.

On the business side, the acceptance and use of these therapies may lead to a shift in the food industry. As more individuals are treated successfully for peanut allergies, the demand for peanut-based products could see a significant increase. Manufacturers and retailers may need to adapt their product lines and marketing strategies to cater to a new segment of consumers who were previously unable to enjoy peanut-containing products. This change could also lead to more diverse and inclusive menu options in restaurants, enhancing the dining experience for many.

In addition, by reducing the number of severe allergic reactions, healthcare costs related to emergency treatments may decrease. Public health campaigns may need to focus on educating the population about the availability and benefits of these treatments, ensuring that they are accessible to those who need them. Additionally, schools and other public institutions may need to revise their allergy policies and protocols, reflecting the new reality where peanut allergies are no longer an insurmountable challenge. 

Implications of peanut allergy therapy

Wider implications of peanut allergy therapy may include:

• The need for rigorous clinical tests and trials to perfect and approve these treatments for public usage, leading to a more thorough and careful approach to introducing new allergy therapies.
• The possibility of a screening program to identify infants at risk from a peanut allergy to introduce therapy as early as possible, resulting in early intervention and potentially more successful treatment outcomes.
• Sensitization of schools about the development of peanut allergy therapy, leading to more informed policies and practices that can support students with allergies.
• The development of similar healthcare solutions for other allergies, leading to a broader range of treatment options and potentially improving the lives of those with multiple or different types of allergies.
• A reduced strain on healthcare systems having to respond to emergency cases related to allergic reactions, leading to potential cost savings and more efficient use of medical resources.
• The potential for new job opportunities in the medical and food industries, as the demand for specialized allergy treatments and peanut-based products grows, leading to economic growth in these sectors.
• The potential for legal and regulatory challenges as governments and healthcare providers work to ensure that these therapies are safe, effective, and accessible, leading to new laws and guidelines.
• An increased focus on environmental considerations as the production and consumption of peanuts and related products may rise, leading to a need for sustainable farming and manufacturing practices.

Questions to consider

• How early do you think a child with peanut allergies should start therapy to eliminate the allergy?
• What can the government do to support further research and development of anti-allergy therapies?