Overview
- Extension data from toddlers who initially received placebo show that over three years of epicutaneous immunotherapy, more than 70% tolerated the equivalent of three to four peanut kernels, with nearly half tolerating higher amounts.
- No treatment-related anaphylaxis was reported in the third year of therapy, and patch-site skin irritation—the most common side effect—declined over time.
- Food challenge outcomes grew milder across the study period, with fewer severe symptoms after three years compared with after one year.
- The EPOPEX end-of-study findings were presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology meeting in Orlando and published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
- Investigators caution against any at-home desensitization attempts and advise families to discuss options with a board-certified allergist, noting peanut allergy affects roughly 2% of U.S. children.