Australia, known as the ‘allergy capital of the world,’ is pioneering a new approach to combat peanut allergies among infants, a condition affecting 3.1% of babies under 12 months old.
In a landmark initiative led by the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE) and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), a nationwide peanut oral immunotherapy program is being launched across 10 paediatric hospitals. This initiative marks the first time such treatment will be offered outside of clinical trials in Australian hospitals.
Professor Kirsten Perrett, director of NACE and leader of MCRI’s Population Allergy Group, underscores the significance of this standardized care model, emphasizing its potential to transform allergic disease management in Australia. The program aims to mitigate the life-threatening risks associated with peanut allergies, enabling more children to navigate school and social environments safely.
Traditionally, children with peanut allergies are advised strict avoidance, which poses challenges in everyday life. Exposure to peanuts can trigger severe reactions ranging from hives to anaphylaxis due to an immune system overreaction.
The treatment regimen involves daily intake of controlled doses of peanut powder over two years, with the goal of inducing tolerance and achieving long-term remission. Initially available through referral for children under 12 months old, the program will commence in hospitals across New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland, with capacity contingent on demand and resources.
Dr. Lara Ford, allergist and program lead at Westmead Children’s Hospital, highlights the program’s potential to alleviate the constant fear of accidental exposure among families living with peanut allergies. Early studies suggest promising outcomes, potentially reducing the persistence of peanut allergies in children as they grow older.
With research indicating that a significant majority of children with peanut allergies remain allergic into their adolescent years, this initiative holds promise as a transformative intervention for affected families nationwide.
