A safe and effective treatment to desensitize patients with peanut allergy using a procedure called oral immunotherapy in which patients with peanut allergy are fed small incremental amounts of peanut protein. They are built up over the course of several months to a maintenance dose where increasing doses are given in the Center and are continued at home.

The goal is to desensitize patients so that accidental exposures should not result in clinical symptoms. This should result in reduced worry, fear, anxiety, and improved quality of life.

Oral immunotherapy has been accomplished at research centers in the US for peanut, egg and milk allergies. Studies have shown this can been done safely and effectively. This process is different from sublingual immunotherapy where drops of allergens are placed under the tongue to desensitize allergic patients. Although this is being done elsewhere, studies in this country have not proven sublingual immunotherapy works. In addition, all the dosing of peanut is done orally so no uncomfortable shots are involved.

Real patients with peanut allergy and family members describe their experiences at the New England Food Allergy Treatment Center

Channel 8 news story about the New England
Food Allergy Treatment Center

Real patients with peanut allergy and family members describe their experiences