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3d ago

Adult Peanut Allergy Breakthrough: Two-Thirds Desensitised in Groundbreaking Trial

The GUPI trial demonstrates for the first time that oral immunotherapy can help adults tolerate peanut exposure, though larger studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.

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Richard Lassiter's allergy is so severe that he has been admitted to hospital on multiple occasions after accidentally eating peanuts (Photo: Handout/PA Wire)
A breakthrough study shows that 'desensitisation' treatment may work on adults, a process that has already been shown to work on children (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc./Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI) trial found that 67% of adult participants could tolerate the equivalent of five peanuts after gradual exposure to peanut protein under strict medical supervision.
  • This is the first clinical trial to test oral immunotherapy exclusively in adults, addressing a long-standing gap in allergy treatment for this age group.
  • Participants aged 18–40 began with microdoses of peanut flour, starting at 0.8 mg, and increased their intake biweekly until reaching daily doses equivalent to four peanuts.
  • The trial, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and published in the journal Allergy, showed quality-of-life improvements for participants, including reduced fear of accidental exposure.
  • Experts caution that this treatment requires ongoing daily dosing and close medical supervision, with larger trials needed to confirm its broader applicability and long-term outcomes.