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Promising results as Viaskin Peanut trial in peanut-allergic toddlers concludes

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A recent trial by DBV Technologies has produced promising results for very young children with peanut allergies and their families.

The trial assessed whether Viaskin Peanut – an immunotherapy skin patch – was safe, and if it worked for children between one and three years old. Most peanut-allergic children are diagnosed between these ages, but there are currently no approved therapies for this age group.

For a successful result, toddlers intolerant to tiny amounts (10 mg or less) of peanut protein, needed to be able to tolerate 300 mg or more after 12 months. Toddlers who could already manage more than 10 mg had to be tolerant of 1,000 mg of peanut protein after 12 months.

Results:

  • Did it work? Viaskin Peanut met the trial’s criteria for 67% of toddlers on the trial, compared to 33.5% in a placebo trial.
  • Was it safe? 8.6% of toddlers had adverse reactions – this was most commonly mild to moderate skin reactions – compared to 2.5% in the placebo trial.

The findings matched results from other trials DBV Technologies has carried out with children aged four and over. Many of the families (88%) have opted for the toddlers to continue to benefit from the treatment by signing up for a further long-term trial.

Simon Williams, Chief Executive of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, says, “It’s easy for parents of small children to get disheartened about peanut allergy when there is such a lack of treatments. But the truth is, research and development is evolving all the time. This latest trial from DBV Technologies gives us further hope for a much brighter future for families living with peanut allergy.”

Dr Pharis Mohideen, Chief Medical Officer of DBV Technologies, said, “We are thrilled by the topline results of EPITOPE, our second Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Viaskin Peanut.

“We are grateful to the toddlers and their parents, caregivers and allergists who are contributing to a brighter future by having participated in this first-of-its kind trial.”

New clinical trial from the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation

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Congratulations to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, which is running a new clinical trial in oral immunotherapy, focusing on children with milk and peanut allergies. The research will investigate whether these allergies can be effectively treated with everyday foods instead of drugs.

The three-year Natasha Clinical Trial is the first major study funded by the Foundation. It will be led by researchers at the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, partnering with Imperial College, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Newcastle University and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The study will recruit 216 people between the ages of three and 23 with food allergy to cow’s milk and aged six to 23 with food allergy to peanut.

Natasha Ednan-Laperouse tragically died in 2016 after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret A Manger baguette. Since Natasha’s death, her parents, Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, set up the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation and have been raising awareness around food safety. In October 2021, Natasha’s Law came into effect, requiring foods prepared and packed on the same premises they are sold to carry a full list of ingredients with any of the 14 major allergens on the packaging.

Chief Executive of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, Simon Williams, said:

“We would like to congratulate and thank Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse for all the hard work they do to make the world a safer place for the allergic community. This new trial has positive implications for people with severe allergies and their families, and we look forward to hearing what findings are discovered in the trial in due course.”

More details on the trial can be found on the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation website here.

Multiple Allergen Alert – FSA issues warning about counterfeit Wonka Bars

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The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning about counterfeit Wonka chocolate bars in circulation.

The bars are potentially being produced by an unlicensed or unregistered business, and may not be adhering to the standard hygiene, labelling and traceability laws.

This product should be avoided by all consumers, but particularly by people with food allergies or intolerances. Testing on some bars removed from sale has confirmed the contents contained allergens not listed on the label.

Any Wonka-branded chocolate which does not feature the official ‘Ferrero’ or ‘Ferrara Candy Company’ trademarks on the label is likely to be a counterfeit product. There is no way to know if it is safe to eat.

For more information, see the FSA website.

Statement regarding sunflower oil supply issues and permitted use of refined rapeseed oil

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Please read our statement below in response to the announcement by the Food Standards Agency regarding supply issues of sunflower oil.

Sunflower oilThe Anaphylaxis Campaign is aware that the current conflict in Ukraine is affecting supplies of sunflower oil. To avoid food supply issues, manufacturers are using refined rapeseed oil before being able to change the information on the food ingredient labels.

Although allergic reactions to rapeseed oil are almost unheard of, if you would like more information, please read our Vegetable oils factsheet or call our helpline on 01252 542029. Accurate food labelling is of the utmost importance to food allergic consumers, and we will continue to monitor the situation extremely closely to keep our supporters informed of any changes or updates.

Aimmune study shows the practical and emotional impact of living with peanut allergy

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Aimmune Announces Publication of UK and Ireland Findings from the APPEAL Study Highlighting the Practical and Emotional Impact of Living with Peanut Allergy

– Largest study to date to probe the impact of peanut allergy on allergic individuals and their caregivers in the UK and Ireland –
– Study reveals the impact of peanut allergy across all aspects of daily life, including its effect on relationships, experiences of bullying, persistent stress, and anxiety –
– Peanut allergy affects between 0.5-2.5% of children in the UK[1] –

 London, UK — February 8, 2022 — Aimmune Therapeutics UK Ltd. today announced the publication of UK and Ireland country data from the APPEAL (Allergy to Peanuts ImPacting Emotions And Life) study which have been published in PLOS ONE. APPEAL is the largest European study to date, focused on the emotional and psychosocial impact of peanut allergy, and was created through a collaboration of allergy specialists and representatives of patient advocacy groups from eight European countries.[2],[3] It was conducted in two phases (APPEAL-1 and APPEAL-2) with over 300 individuals in the UK and Ireland taking part.[4]

The APPEAL study examined the influence and psychosocial burden of living with peanut allergy experienced by allergic individuals and their caregivers. The results demonstrate the wide-ranging practical and emotional impact of peanut allergy on the lives of children, teenagers, adults, and their caregivers, and highlight a significant need to improve education, care, and management for these individuals.

“Our research shows that most people in the studies with peanut allergy face an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty, stress and anxiety in their day-to-day lives, even in daily activities that are meant to be relaxing and fun, with only a third feeling that they cope “extremely well” managing their allergy. Most shockingly, children are reluctant to tell other people about their peanut allergy in fear of being bullied or to avoid embarrassment,” said Marina Tsoumani, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, and lead author of the publication. “These data indicate an urgent need for greater support and education to ensure those with peanut allergy feel confident their condition is managed, and both their risk of anaphylaxis and fear of bullying is minimised, if not eliminated.”

“We know all too well that peanut allergy is incredibly challenging and fearful for most children and teenagers. Now, we’re also learning about the detrimental impact on parents and caregivers in the UK and Ireland, with over half in this study reporting feeling constant stress because of their child’s peanut allergy, as well as experiencing damaging effects on their relationship with their partner,” said Amena Warner, Allergy UK, and one of the authors of the publication. “The new data provides invaluable insights into both the peanut allergic individual and caregiver experience and presents a clear signpost for clinicians and policymakers to address the impact of peanut allergy.

Key findings include:

  • Due to living with peanut allergy, the majority of patients and caregivers experience levels of uncertainty (79%), stress (71%) and feeling anxious (75%). More than a third even reported feeling worried in situations that don’t involve food (35%).
  • Among children and teenagers, just over half reported experiencing bullying or teasing because of their peanut allergy (52% of survey participants).
  • Over a fifth of patients and caregivers reported feelings of isolation (22%) and 28% have been made to feel different because of their or their child’s peanut allergy.
  • All adult, teenage and caregiver respondents, and over half of the children interviewed reported a negative impact of peanut allergy on their social activities. Restricted choices were reported in various situations, including choosing where to eat out (82%), special occasions (76%), and when choosing a holiday destination (68%).
  • More than half of the caregivers reported an adverse impact on their relationship with their partner, mainly due to the stress around paying enough attention to avoiding peanuts.

The study also uncovers that despite the majority of those with a peanut allergy adopting various coping strategies and had been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector for emergency use, only 37% reported that they cope “extremely well” with their peanut allergy. Respondents’ coping strategies to avoid accidental exposure to peanuts in their everyday lives include checking ingredients, constantly paying attention to what others are eating, staying away from other people if they are eating peanuts, and asking other people to wash their hands after eating peanuts.

“Peanut allergy is often lifelong and, as these data from the UK and Ireland show, can be very difficult for children, their parents or caregivers,” said Simon Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Anaphylaxis Campaign, a UK-wide charity for people at risk of severe allergies. “This study clearly indicates that the whole family is impacted, not only from the stress and anxiety of peanut allergy itself, but also from restrictions on social activities and even the potential for bullying and harassment. These findings reinforce our understanding of the substantial burden that peanut allergy has on young people and their families and highlight the importance of having new treatment options and ongoing advice and support available for those living with this condition.”

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About the APPEAL-1 and APPEAL-2 Studies

The APPEAL (Allergy to Peanuts ImPacting Emotions And Life) studies are the first pan-European quantitative and qualitative, cross-sectional surveys to explore the burden and psychosocial impact of living with peanut allergy. The results from the UK and Ireland include findings from a total of 284 adults (187 caregivers and 97 adults with peanut allergy) who participated in APPEAL-1 and 42 individuals (11 adults, 11 teenagers and 8 children with peanut allergy and 12 caregivers of a child with peanut allergy) participated in APPEAL-2.

About Peanut Allergy

In the UK, peanut allergy affects between 0.5-2.5% of children.1 Unlike other common food allergies, peanut allergy can be lifelong.[5] Reactions to peanut are potentially life-threatening, accounting for the majority of deaths related to food allergy.[6] The standard of care has been a strict elimination diet and the timely administration of rescue medications in case of an allergic reaction from accidental exposure.[7] Despite vigilance, accidental exposures may occur and cause reactions of unpredictable severity, leading to a lifelong risk of severe reactions.4 Beyond the physical impact of peanut allergy, this condition also has a significant psychosocial impact on children, their families and caregivers. Those living with peanut allergy face many uncertainties and restrictions, in addition to constant feelings of fear, frustration, anxiety and stress in their daily lives.2

Contacts:

 

UK Media:

Jemini Sedani

+44 7940 594788
jsedani@realchemistry.com

 

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References:

 

[1] Stiefel, G., Anagnostou, K., Boyle, R.J., et al. 2017. BSACI Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. 47, pp. 719-739.

[2] DunnGalvin, A., et al. APPEAL-1: A multiple-country European survey assessing the psychosocial impact of peanut allergy. Allergy. 2020 Nov;75(11):2899-2908. DOI: 10.1111/all.14363. Epub 2020 Jul 9.PMID: 32400915

[3] Blumchen, K, et al. APPEAL-1: A pan-European survey of patient/caregiver perceptions of peanut allergy management. Allergy. 2020 May; 75(11):2920-2935. DOI: 10.1111/all.14414. Epub 2020 Jun 24.. PMID: 32438514

[4] Tsoumani M, et al. (2022) Allergy to Peanuts imPacting Emotions And Life (APPEAL): The impact of peanut allergy on children, teenagers, adults and caregivers in the UK and Ireland. PLoS ONE 17(2): e0262851. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262851.

[5] Du Toit G, Katz Y, Sasieni P, Mesher D, Maleki SJ, Fisher HR, Fox AT, Turcanu V, Amir T, Zadik-Mnuhin G, Cohen A, Livne I, Lack G. Early consumption of peanuts in infancy is associated with a low prevalence of peanut allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Nov;122(5):984-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.08.039. PMID: 19000582.

6 Bock SA, Muñoz-Furlong A, Sampson HA. Fatalities due to anaphylactic reaction to foods. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001;107:191-

7 Lanser, Bruce J., et al. “Current options for the treatment of food allergy.” Pediatric Clinics 62.6 (2015): 1531-1549.

New Allergen Resource from Trading Standards

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Trading Standards new resource

Download the resource

Trading Standards has released a new allergen resource for food businesses in Wales, England and Northern Ireland. This is to help protect the estimated two million plus people living with a diagnosed food allergy in the UK. It is freely available for all local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The resource includes an allergen awareness presentation video and a handout available in nine languages – English, Welsh, Bengali, Cantonese, Kurdish, Mandarin, Punjabi, Turkish and Urdu.

The project aims to:
• make allergen training material accessible to a wider audience
• increase awareness of food allergies as a serious health issue and help educate about the potentially life-threatening nature of the condition
• inform food business operators of allergen labelling requirements, including changes brought about as a result of ‘Natasha’s Law’
• alert food business operators to the potential consequences of getting it wrong
• raise allergen legal compliance amongst food business operators
• promote the importance of a positive food safety culture and the supply of safe food that consumers can trust

The resources and more information about the project can be found here.

Warning from West Sussex Trading Standards on Takeaway Food

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Takeaway foodWest Sussex Trading Standards has investigated takeaways in the county. The results have shown just how difficult it can be for people with allergies to stay safe.

As many as 10 out of 14 takeaways incorrectly told a customer – who informed staff they had a milk allergy – that they could eat a lamb doner kebab. West Sussex Trading Standards sent the meals for examination and found all 10 contained milk protein.

West Sussex Trading Standards is continuing to investigate the takeaways restaurants concerned, and is supporting food outlets in the area to improve labelling and allergy information.

If you have had an allergic reaction after a takeaway or eating out, report it to trading standards. You can use this tool to find your local office. Please also report it to the Food Standards Authority, using their reporting tool.

For more information on the investigation from West Sussex County Council: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/news/allergy-warning-over-west-sussex-kebab-meat/

Joining up the dots – immunotherapy and the BRIT registry

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Revd Dr Mich Lajeunesse Founding Chair of BRIT

Revd Dr Mich Erlewyn-Lajeunesse,
Founding Chair of BRIT

Guest article by Revd Dr Mich Erlewyn-Lajeunesse, Founding Chair of BRIT, and Consultant in Allergy & Immunology at Southampton Children’s Hospital

Brit register logo

People say that there is strength in numbers, and for people with rare diseases it’s important to work together to learn how best to treat and achieve better outcomes.  No more so than in our current NHS where there is such demand on healthcare.

Specialist allergy clinics around the UK treat adults and children with allergen immunotherapy. These are injections, drops or tablets to be taken under the tongue that gradually desensitise the immune system in people with serious life-affecting allergies. Examples include the use of venom injections against anaphylaxis to bee and wasp stings, and the use of grass pollen for people with very severe hay fever.

Recording immunotherapy in the UK

Unlike Europe, where allergen immunotherapy is commonplace, these treatments are rare in the UK, and most specialist clinics will still only have a handful of patients on their books at any one time.

It’s for this reason that the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) established a registry for adults and children receiving immunotherapy in the UK. The BSACI Registry for Immunotherapy, or BRIT, started in 2019 and is just entering its second three-year phase. BRIT aims to show how these desensitisation treatments work in clinics, rather than the research lab, and will provide useful data on the long-term benefits of these immune-modulating treatments.

The registry will also show how access to immunotherapy around the UK is patchy at best and that many people have to travel long distances to access care. We will be able to use this data to inform the development of treatment networks around the UK.

Improving access and care

Working together to improve patient care is more important now than ever. Allergy medicine is a rapidly-developing field and new treatments are becoming available all the time. For instance, the first treatment for peanut allergy has been approved in the last 12 months. The BRIT registry has been adapted to include peanut immunotherapy in clinical practise as part of its remit so we can map its use and outcomes in our clinics.

My hope, as the founder of this registry, is that in time it will include data on the majority of people receiving these treatments in the UK, so that we can use the registry to help improve services. Only patients who have provided informed consent can be included on the registry, so if your healthcare team hasn’t given you information about BRIT then you won’t be included.

Are you on the registry?

The registry is designed to help everybody who’s involved in it. It helps patients and their families by recording their response to treatment through regular email questionnaire contact. It helps the specialist healthcare teams, because all immunotherapy information is in one place, so they can review their service very easily and look at their outcomes compared to national trends. It helps allergy services as a whole, by showing where these specialist treatments are available and how the treatments change lives for the better on a national scale.

We have big hopes for this registry, that it will really change the face of allergen immunotherapy in the UK. We want it to give the patients who require these specialist treatments easy access to them through specialist services that are in the right place and of the right size to deliver appropriate care. If you are receiving specialist immunotherapy treatment and have not been asked to participate in the BRIT registry, please contact your healthcare provider and ask them why they are not part of this initiative. It’s in everybody’s interests to work together for better outcomes for allergic disease.

If you are a provider, you can register now, using this link.

Breaking News on Food Labelling

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Tuesday 25th June 2019

The Anaphylaxis Campaign are delighted to hear the announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that food businesses will be required to provide a full ingredients list on pre-packaged foods for direct sale.

Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign said:

‘We are thrilled that DEFRA are taking forward full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged food for direct sale. We believe this is the right step forward to protect individuals with severe food allergies.’

Please read the full press release from DEFRA below.

 

GOVE TO INTRODUCE ‘NATASHA’S LAW’

  • Government makes full ingredients labelling mandatory
  • ‘Natasha’s Law’ to protect food allergy sufferers
  • Legislation in place by summer, with two-year implementation for businesses

A new law will require food businesses to include full ingredients labelling on pre-packaged foods, Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced today in a drive to protect the country’s two million food allergy sufferers.

Following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, the teenager who died after suffering an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger baguette, the Environment Secretary confirmed legislation will be brought forward by the end of summer to strengthen allergen labelling rules.

Under current laws, food prepared on the premises in which it is sold is not required to display allergen information in writing, meaning allergy sufferers sometimes lack confidence buying food out.

The new legislation, known as ‘Natasha’s Law’, will tighten the rules by requiring foods that are pre-packed directly for sale to carry a full list of ingredients – giving allergy sufferers greater trust in the food they buy.

 

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:

“Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse have been an inspiration in their drive to protect food allergy sufferers and deliver Natasha’s Law.

“These changes will make food labels clear and consistent and give the country’s two million food allergy sufferers confidence in making safe food choices.”

The government will introduce legislation by the end of summer mandating full ingredients labelling for foods prepacked for direct sale, and the new laws will come into force by summer 2021 – giving businesses time to adapt to the change.

The introduction of ‘Natasha’s Law’ follows a consultation in January proposing four options, including full ingredient list labelling; allergen-only labelling; ‘ask the staff’ labels on products; and promoting best practice to businesses.

The consultation received overwhelming support from consumers for full ingredients labelling, with more than 70 per cent of individuals backing this option. The Food Standards Agency’s recent advice also recommended government should implement full ingredients labelling.

 

Chair of the Food Standards Agency Heather Hancock said:

“We want the UK to become the best place in the world for people living with food hypersensitivities.

“The impact of food allergy and intolerance on quality of life can be as great or even greater than almost all other foodborne diseases.

“Whilst it’s impossible to eliminate the risks entirely, we believe this change will mean better protection for allergic consumers.”

The reforms cover labelling requirements for foods that are prepared and packed on the same premises from which they are sold – such as a packaged sandwich or salad made by staff earlier in the day and placed on a shelf for purchase.

Currently, these foods are not required to carry labels, and if asked by a consumer allergen information must be given in person by the food business.

Food businesses across the country have already taken steps to improve food labelling and outlets are being urged to do all they can ahead of the implementation date to help consumers make safe food choices.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will continue to provide food businesses with guidance on allergens, and through its Easy to Ask campaign it works to empower young people to ask food businesses about allergens when eating out so they can make safe food choices.

New research reveals challenges facing young people with food allergies and intolerances

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Survey shows over half of young people with a food allergy or intolerance have avoided eating out in the last six months due to their condition.

The results are from a bespoke survey, released by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), in partnership with Allergy UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign, on the views of young people living with food allergies and intolerances. The survey also revealed that while 67% of respondents reported being aware of the legal requirement of food businesses to provide information on the top 14 allergens, only 14% felt extremely confident asking for allergen information when dining out and 14% reported feeling not at all confident.

The FSA, working with Allergy UK (AUK) and Anaphylaxis Campaign (AC), has launched easy to ASK, a campaign designed to empower young people to ask food businesses about allergens when eating out, so that they can make safe choices. The campaign follows several allergy-related deaths among young people – data shows that children and young adults are disproportionately more prone to die from an allergic reaction than adults.

‘We are delighted to be working with the Food Standards Agency on the Ask the Question project. It is unfortunate that most serious allergy related instances and even deaths happen when young people are eating out, or buying takeaway food. We have communicated extensively with young allergy sufferers to make sure they take responsibility for their condition when eating out, but it is also vital that foodservice establishments take the initiative to help prevent tragic accidents. Ask the Question is a timely development which will provide important materials for foodservice staff and will give allergic consumers more confidence when they go out to eat. We are happy to provide access to our extensive range of information resources to any food business that needs further help and advice.’ Chief Executive, Lynne Regent.

Easy to ASK is also a reminder to businesses to be up front about the provision of accurate allergen information, particularly with this vulnerable group. Asking a customer if they have food allergies could save a life. The campaign includes the simple mnemonic:

  • Always ask about allergies
  • Speak up
  • Keep safe

Research reveals worrying challenges

When meeting new people, 5% of respondents with a food allergy and 11% with a food intolerance reported not telling anyone about their condition at all, potentially risking allergic reactions or fatal consequences. When asked why, some respondents said they felt embarrassed and some said that their condition was too complicated to explain.

Other findings include:

  • 59% reported they tend to visit the same places when eating out
  • 55% reported always researched the menu online before going to a new or unfamiliar place
  • only 9% reported always contacting a restaurant in advance to check they provide allergen information

Food businesses step up

Commenting on the easy to ASK campaign, FSA Chairman Heather Hancock, said:
“We’ve seen real progress in how food businesses approach customers with allergies. However, 60% of the young people surveyed tell us they’ve avoided eating out in the past six months because of their condition.

“Living with a food allergy or intolerance is not easy and can have fatal consequences. Many in this age group will be students starting out at university or college, in new surroundings and with new friends. It’s crucial that they feel confident to speak up and ask for allergen information, and that the people around them make that easier.

“Food businesses have an important part to play in making this age group feel more at ease. They are required always to provide accurate allergen information. Through our easy to ASK campaign, we’re raising awareness and understanding to boost the confidence of young people, and we’re encouraging food businesses to make it easier for everyone to ask the question, speak up and help keep those at risk safe.”

Speaking for the Anaphylaxis Campaign, Lynne Regent, CEO, commented:
“We are delighted to be working with the Food Standards Agency on the easy to ASK campaign. It is unfortunate that most serious allergy related instances and even deaths happen when young people are eating out, or buying takeaway food.

“We have communicated extensively with young people with an allergy to make sure they take responsibility for their condition when eating out, but it is also vital that foodservice establishments take the initiative to help prevent tragic accidents.

“The easy to ASK campaign is a timely development which will provide important materials for foodservice staff and will give allergic consumers more confidence when they go out to eat. We are happy to provide access to our extensive range of information resources to any food business that needs further help and advice.”

Survey report

Young people and food allergies/intolerances was conducted by the Food Standards Agency in partnership with Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis Campaign. The survey is based on responses from 2599 young people aged 16-24 in the UK.

Many respondents skipped some of the questions. Therefore, tables are based on the respondents to the relevant question, rather than all 2599 respondents.