Australia Launches Nationwide Peanut Allergy Treatment Programme for Babies

Strategic Insights -

Australia has become the first country to offer a nationwide oral immunotherapy treatment to babies with peanut allergies, aiming to build immunity and reduce the risk of life-threatening reactions. Ten paediatric hospitals in five states have partnered with the National Allergy Centre of Excellence to run a nationwide programme, providing free treatment to babies under 12 months diagnosed with a peanut allergy and receiving care from an allergist. The programme involves giving small daily doses of peanut powder for two years under supervision, with gradual increases to reduce sensitivity. A food allergy test will be conducted at the end of the two years to evaluate the treatment's effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The programme is the first national peanut allergy treatment programme outside of a clinical trial.
  • The initiative involves ten paediatric hospitals in five states partnering with the National Allergy Centre of Excellence.
  • The programme targets babies under 12 months diagnosed with a peanut allergy and receiving care from an allergist.
  • The treatment involves giving small daily doses of peanut powder for two years under supervision, with gradual increases.
  • A food allergy test will be conducted at the end of the two years to determine if the treatment led to a remission.
  • The programme is free and only available to children currently receiving care from an allergist at one of the participating hospitals.
  • Only about 20% of children with peanut allergies outgrow their allergy by teenage age.
  • The programme aims to change the trajectory of allergic disease in Australia and enable more children to attend school without the risk of a life-threatening peanut reaction.

Statistics:

  • 3 in 100 Australian children develop a peanut allergy before turning one.
  • About 20% of children with peanut allergies outgrow their allergy by teenage age.
  • The programme will run for two years, with a food allergy test conducted at the end of the treatment period.
  • The maintenance dose of peanut powder will allow children to safely eat peanuts in the future.

Sources:

  • "Australia's first national peanut allergy treatment programme for babies begins". ABC.
  • "Government data shows 3 in 100 Australian children develop a peanut allergy before turning one".