Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

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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.”

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.

MedicAlert and Anaphylaxis Campaign

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We’re delighted to announce that Anaphylaxis Campaign has joined forces with MedicAlert, the national emergency medical information charity.

Aiding those with severe allergies and other medical conditions, MedicAlert is offering a £10 discount to all Anaphylaxis Campaign members and readers.

 

Who are MedicAlert?

The MedicAlert Foundation UK is the original and best provider of medical ID services, offering assurance and life-saving support to its members since 1964.

MedicAlert doesn’t just provide medical ID jewellery. Whilst the most medical information is engraved on to the reverse of the jewellery, their full service ensures that the information provided during an emergency is accurate and comprehensive – it is not restricted to what will fit on to a bracelet or necklace disc.

  • Members’ medical records may include allergies, medical conditions, medication, history, documents including clinical reports, doctor or hospital contact details and next-of-kin information.
  • Unlike other providers of medical ID services, all MedicAlert member records are checked by in-house medical professionals, both when they are set up and when anything changes to ensure that they are accurate and prioritised for use in emergency situations.
  • Records are available 24/7 via the emergency helpline in over 100 languages and dialects.
  • All members can appoint one or more advocates to help manage their record.
  • Members are able to update their medical record online as often as required, ensuring the information provided during an emergency remains accurate and relevant.

Joining MedicAlert

Membership equates to just 9p per day and provides 24/7 emergency phone support, medical professional checks of your record, document storage and the peace of mind that your information is relayed if the unexpected were to happen.

In order to support those at risk of a severe allergic reaction, MedicAlert has discounted the first year’s membership for all Anaphylaxis Campaign members and readers. Enter ANA10 to receive a £10 discount.

When this code is used, MedicAlert will also provide Anaphylaxis Campaign with a £5 donation, which will support our work of raising awareness of severe allergies.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign is pleased to promote chapter 3 of Leo’s Story’, a short peanut allergy awareness animated film.

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Welcome to Leo’s Story Chapter 3 which brings the latest results from the pan-European APPEAL (Allergy to Peanuts impacting Emotions And Life) Study to life.  The Anaphylaxis Campaign is a member of Team APPEAL which is a large two-phase study that is investigating the psycho-social impact of peanut allergy on the person with the allergy and their family members.

Chapter 3 reveals the daily life and emotional impact this food allergy has on children, young adults and parents. Anxiety, frustration and stress are just some of the emotional impacts that people are feeling. We encourage you to view this story and share with your friends

In the UK it is estimated that around 5 – 8 % of children have a proven food allergy with up to 1 in 55 children having a peanut allergy.

#LeosStory: Watch. Share. Raise awareness.

Chapter 3: Watch the animation on YouTube here.

Chapter 2: Watch the animation on YouTube here.

Chapter 1: Watch the film on YouTube here.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign provides information and support to parents and carers of children at risk of severe allergies through our free helpline and support groups run by dedicated volunteers.

Our helpline team is on hand to answer your questions about allergies and reactions and put your mind at rest over the things concerning you. Contact 01252 542029 or email info@anaphylaxis.org.uk between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday with your allergy problems or questions.