FDA approved approaches to address allergy are currently only to avoid the trigger allergen or to suppress reactions once they have been triggered. Redirecting immune responses this method suppresses response and prevents activation of cells which initiate allergic reaction, which can be done after the allergy is established providing the potential for therapy in humans.
Peanut allergies emergency care cases are estimated to have increased by close to 400% over the past decade, effective treatments are in dire need, with 15 million Americans affected by peanut allergies and it is becoming increasingly prevalent.
This experimental intranasal vaccine consists of peanut protein and nano-emulsion of tiny droplets of highly purified soybean oil, water, and detergents. Model mice were administered 3 doses of either a placebo or peanuts plus the nano-emulsion over a period of two months. Two weeks after final administration was given the animals then were exposed to peanuts and assessed for immune function and allergy symptoms. Animals that were given the nano-emulsion were observed to be protected against localized symptoms including itchiness, puffy eyes, shock, and breathing problems.
Additional studies are now underway to establish whether positive effects of the vaccine are long term or not. If successful it could lead to moving to clinical trial.
