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Allergens

Australia Launches World-First Oral Immunotherapy Program for Peanut Allergies in Babies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Australian authorities have taken a significant step towards combatting life-threatening peanut allergies in infants by launching a world-first oral immunotherapy (OIT) program. The ADAPT OIT program, run by the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE), aims to desensitize babies under 12 months to peanuts by administering daily doses of peanut powder. Ten public pediatric hospitals across five states are collaborating to deliver the treatment, which could potentially revolutionize mainstream care for peanut allergies. Ged Kearney, the assistant minister for health, described the program as a "game changer" for Australians with peanut allergies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ADAPT OIT program is a world-first initiative targeting peanut allergies in infants under 12 months.
  • Ten public pediatric hospitals across five states are partnering with the government-funded National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE) to deliver the treatment.
  • Babies in the program will undergo food tests to confirm their peanut allergy and gradually increase their daily dose of peanut powder over two years.
  • The program aims to desensitize infants to peanuts, potentially overcoming life-threatening conditions.
  • The free program is currently available to eligible babies receiving care from allergists at the 10 participating hospitals.
  • The results of the program will be analyzed by the NACE, paving the way for potential adoption by more hospitals and private health clinics.
  • Australian children have the highest prevalence of food allergies in the world, with one in 10 babies and one in 20 primary school-aged children affected.
  • Admission to Australian hospitals due to anaphylaxis has increased by 350 percent over the last 20 years, with peanuts being the most common cause.

Statistics:

  • One in 10 Australian babies and one in 20 primary school-aged children have a food allergy (MCRI).
  • Admission to Australian hospitals due to anaphylaxis has increased by 350 percent over the last 20 years (MCRI).
  • The ADAPT OIT program is the first nationwide OIT program for peanut allergies offered in mainstream care anywhere in the world.

Sources:

  • Xinhua (July 31, 2024)
  • COMTEX (July 30, 2024)
  • Melbourne's Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)

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