In a landmark clinical exploration, researchers have unearthed compelling proof that grown individuals burdened by severe peanut allergies may cultivate a form of resilience by enduring small, daily exposures.
Through a regimen where incrementally heightened doses of peanut flour were ingested over several months, nearly two-thirds of the study’s volunteers developed the capacity to consume an amount equating to five peanuts—without triggering an allergic upheaval.
This revelation hints at a broader therapeutic window for allergy intervention, extending into adulthood—a stage once considered less amenable to immunotherapy. The implications paint a future where even long-standing allergic afflictions may be tempered with precision-based treatment strategies, according to The Guardian.
“People grappling with peanut allergies endure a relentless shadow of dread from the threat of a severe episode,” said Professor Stephen Till of King’s College London, who spearheaded the research. “The standard guardrail has long been absolute avoidance, accompanied by emergency treatments like adrenaline.”
“While earlier investigations have illustrated that young individuals respond favorably to peanut immunotherapy, our findings shine a light on the promising reality that adults, too, may attain desensitization, significantly elevating their day-to-day well-being.”
Dubbed the Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI) trial, the investigation welcomed 21 participants aged 18 to 40, all diagnosed clinically with peanut hypersensitivity. The process commenced cautiously, with an initial intake of 0.8 milligrams of peanut flour stealthily blended into food. This was followed, at half-hour intervals, by 1.5mg and 3mg doses. These minuscule quantities, representing under 1% of a single peanut, were administered under clinical supervision.
Those who managed these early exposures without incident continued with a home-based daily intake for two weeks. Every fortnight, they returned for monitored dose escalations until they reached a daily 1g threshold—the equivalent of four peanuts.
After three months at this level, 67% of participants demonstrated tolerance for at least 1.4g of peanut protein, comparable to five whole peanuts. These findings were documented in the esteemed journal Allergy, as per The Guardian.
“Enduring a peanut allergy is like walking a tightrope—every meal, every snack, every day is haunted by the possibility of a fatal misstep,” remarked Hannah Hunter, lead author, and specialist allergy dietitian at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation trust. “For many who completed the trial, the shift was monumental—they moved from a life of fear to one of newfound assurance.”
The pace of progress varied among individuals. Pre-pandemic, some reached desensitization within eight to fourteen months, but delays brought on by COVID-19 extended the journey up to 23 months for a few.
Post-trial, participants were encouraged to maintain their daily peanut intake to sustain their desensitized state. Importantly, though, their allergic status remained intact. They were cautioned to avoid exceeding their daily quota and to keep an adrenaline injector (EpiPen) on hand.
Chris, 28, who had lived under the shadow of peanut allergy since infancy, shared, “Before the trial, the mere thought of accidental exposure rattled my nerves. Now, I include four peanuts with breakfast every day—it’s become my shield. What once could have ended my life is now something I can face with calm.”
The next step would be a more expansive, multi-site study to verify these outcomes. However, even at this stage, the data lays a strong foundation for considering adult immunotherapy as a legitimate route forward, according to The Guardian.
Professor Adam Fox, who chairs the National Allergy Study Group at King’s College London, added, “It was long held that food immunotherapy was a child’s path—that youth offered the best chance. But this research contradicts that narrative. Adults, too, can benefit deeply, and this trial shows that for many, peanut oral immunotherapy can rewrite their relationship with food—and fear.”