Peanut Allergy Patch Shows Long-Term Desensitization in Children, New Study Reveals
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SAN DIEGO—A groundbreaking study presented at the 2025 AAAAI/World Allergy Joint Congress in San Diego offers new hope for children wiht peanut allergies. The research highlights the long-term effectiveness of the Viaskin peanut patch, developed by DBV Technologies, in desensitizing children to peanuts. After five years of daily use, the study found that a significant percentage of children and teens experienced a reduction in their allergic reactions.
Viaskin Patch: A Five-Year Study
The study focused on children who began using the Viaskin peanut patch between the ages of 4 and 11, following them until they were up to 16 years old. The results, presented at the 2025 AAAAI/World Allergy Joint Congress in San Diego, demonstrated that the patch considerably improved the children’s tolerance to peanuts over time.
The research indicated that 73 percent of the participants could consume at least 300 milligrams of peanut protein, equivalent to about one peanut, before experiencing an allergic reaction. Moreover, a substantial 67 percent could eat three to four peanuts without exhibiting any symptoms.
The Viaskin Peanut patch works by gradually exposing children to peanut allergens through the skin, a process known as epicutaneous immunotherapy. This method aims to build tolerance to peanuts over time, reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
Long-Term Data Provides Peace of Mind
Dr. Pharis Mohideen, DBV’s chief medical officer, emphasized the meaning of the study’s long-term data. This long-term data should give families and physicians peace of mind,
he stated.The company is currently seeking approval for the patch for children ages 1 to 7, possibly allowing treatment to begin at a younger age.
One of the key concerns for families considering the Viaskin patch is whether its effectiveness will persist as their child grows. Dr. Mohideen addressed this concern, stating that the new study results show that yes, you can stay on the product.
He further explained that children would not require a higher dose of the allergen as they age, and in many cases, their protection against allergic reactions continues to improve throughout childhood and adolescence.
Dr. Mohideen highlighted the safety and efficacy of the patch, noting, The safety profile continues to improve over time and the efficacy continues to improve over time.
He added, The efficacy is not surprising. We know that for allergen immunotherapy, Year 2 tends to be better than Year 1, Year 3 better than Year 2, and so on.
Previous Studies and FDA Approval
The current findings build upon earlier research on the viaskin peanut patch. The children in this latest study were initially enrolled in a phase 3 study called PEPITES. In 2017, researchers reported that one year of patch wearing desensitized 35 percent of children ages 4 to 11. While these initial results were considered disappointing, desensitization rates improved with longer patch use.
A 2020 extension study, PEOPLE, which included 298 children, found that after three years of patch use, 52 percent of kids could eat three to four peanuts before starting to react. Approximately 29 percent of the children in the PEOPLE study chose to continue in the trial for an additional two years, contributing to the data presented at the 2025 AAAAI/World Allergy Joint Congress in San Diego.
Despite the promising results, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to approve the patch for children ages 4 to 11 in August 2020. Consequently, DBV Technologies shifted its focus to seeking approval for younger children, specifically those between the ages of 1 and 7.
Focus on Younger children
DBV Technologies has as launched new studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the Viaskin peanut patch in younger children. These include a study in kids ages 1 to 3 and another in 4 to 7. In 2023, a Phase 3 trial (EPITOPE) and an extension trial of the patch in the toddler group showed vrey strong results. After two years of wearing the patch, 81 percent of peanut-allergic children ages 1 to 3 could tolerate three to four peanuts without reacting.
Moreover, about 56 percent of these toddlers could consume even more – 12 to 14 peanuts – without showing signs of a reaction. three-year results continued to demonstrate advancement, with 68 percent of toddlers able to consume 12 to 14 peanuts without reacting. Dr. Mohideen described these results as spectacular.
According to Dr.Mohideen, the FDA is satisfied with the efficacy results in toddlers and has not requested additional studies. However, before submitting for approval, the company needs to complete a supplemental safety study, called Comfort Toddlers, which is expected to launch this spring.
Future Plans and Option Therapies
DBV Technologies is also conducting trials with a redesigned patch for children ages 4 to 7. This one-year trial (VITESSE) involves more than 650 children, with results expected by the end of 2025. Following the trial,DBV will need to conduct a supplemental safety study.
The company plans to submit for approval of the patch for both toddlers and 4-to-7-year-olds in the second half of 2026. Dr. Mohideen believes the Viaskin patch offers an appealing alternative for parents of very young children who may be hesitant to use oral immunotherapy (OIT), which involves consuming peanut protein.
Currently, there is one FDA-approved OIT on the market for children ages 1 to 7, Palforzia, for peanut allergy. The Viaskin patch may also be attractive to parents who prefer not to administer Xolair injections to their children. Xolair was approved by the FDA in 2024 to prevent reactions from accidental exposures to small amounts of multiple food allergens.
dr. Mohideen suggests that as children reach their tweens or adolescence, they may become more open to receiving Xolair injections. Alternatively, after building tolerance with the Viaskin patch, they could potentially transition to eating a few peanuts daily as maintenance.
Now the conversation has shifted from just pure avoidance to, ‘hey, what are my therapeutic options?’ It’s a different landscape now, and I think it’s a much better one.
Peanut Allergy Breakthrough: A Patch of Hope for Children?
Could a simple patch finally offer lasting relief for children suffering from peanut allergies? This revolutionary approach is changing the conversation around allergy management.
Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading immunologist specializing in pediatric allergies, welcome to World Today News. Your expertise in this field is invaluable today as we explore a groundbreaking study on the Viaskin peanut patch. The study shows remarkably high success rates in desensitizing children to peanuts over several years. Can you explain this revolutionary approach to peanut allergy treatment?
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The Viaskin peanut patch represents a paradigm shift in how we manage peanut allergies, moving away from strict avoidance towards active desensitization. The patch employs epicutaneous immunotherapy, gradually introducing peanut allergens through the skin. This method aims to reprogram the immune system,building tolerance to peanuts over time to reduce the severity and,ideally,eliminate allergic reactions. Unlike oral immunotherapy (OIT), which involves consuming increasing doses of peanut protein, the patch offers a less daunting, more controlled approach, particularly beneficial for younger children or those wiht severe allergies.
Interviewer: The study highlights incredibly promising long-term results, even after five years of patch use. What makes this sustained success particularly notable, and what are the implications for families living with peanut allergies?
Dr. Sharma: The longevity of the effects is crucial. Historically, many allergy treatments provided temporary relief. The Viaskin patch’s ability to maintain significant desensitization for five years offers families a much-needed sense of security and stability. This means significantly improved quality of life for affected children and their families. They can potentially participate in activities they previously could not and reduce the anxiety consistently associated with accidental exposure to peanuts. The study showed a substantial percentage of participants could consume a significant amount of peanut protein without experiencing a reaction – This suggests a high level of desensitization achieved through consistent patch use. For families living with peanut allergy, the long-term efficacy is a game-changer. They no longer need to constantly fear accidental exposure, greatly improving the day-to-day experience for their child.
Interviewer: Previous studies, such as PEPITES and PEOPLE, provided smaller data sets. This long-term study, however, consolidates those earlier results. How do these findings build upon and extend previous research into peanut allergy treatment?
Dr. Sharma: The long-term data from this significant study is essential to validating the effectiveness of the Viaskin patch. Previous studies were shorter, showcasing initial success but lacked the prolonged follow-up necessary to confirm the sustained efficacy.The present findings demonstrate that the initial desensitization is not temporary but can lead to long-lasting tolerance. This consistent enhancement across multiple studies strongly suggests that prolonged immunotherapy,including extended use of the Viaskin patch,offers the most significant potential for triumphant management of peanut allergies.
Interviewer: The FDA initially declined approval for the Viaskin patch but now there’s renewed focus on younger children. Why the shift in focus, and what evidence supports its effectiveness in this age group?
Dr. Sharma: The initial FDA non-approval may have stemmed from the need for extended follow-up data to confirm sustained efficacy and a broader understanding of the long term safety profile. The shift to younger children is strategic. early intervention in allergy management is often more effective. Studies on toddlers showed remarkably high success rates, with substantial percentages tolerating significant amounts of peanut protein after just two years of patch use. This provides strong evidence that long-term management of the condition is best implemented early.
Interviewer: Beyond just the Viaskin patch, what other therapeutic options are available, and how does this patch compare?
Dr. Sharma: For peanut allergy, oral immunotherapy (OIT), products like Palforzia, is an FDA-approved option. OIT involves gradually increasing the amount of peanut protein consumed. The Viaskin patch provides an alternative, offering a less anxiety inducing gradual desensitization via the skin. This may be preferred by some families particularly those with young children who may struggle with oral ingestion of food proteins or find it distressing. There is also Xolair, an injectable treatment, though this is an emergency treatment strategy. The Viaskin patch provides a less invasive, more proactive approach to allergy management.
Interviewer: What are the key takeaways from this research for parents and healthcare providers?
Dr. Sharma:
Long-term Efficacy: The Viaskin patch demonstrates sustained effectiveness in desensitizing children to peanuts over many years.
Early Intervention: Starting treatment at a younger age offers improved long-term outcomes.
Alternative Therapy: The patch presents a viable alternative to oral immunotherapy and injectable treatments.
Improved Quality of Life: The alleviation of allergy reactions dramatically improves those most affected and those who care for them.
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your expertise and illuminating this significant development in the field of allergy treatment. This offers real hope for families affected by peanut allergies.
Dr. Sharma: My pleasure. I hope the facts shared today empowers families with options and hope in managing the condition.
What are your thoughts on this revolutionary development? Share your opinions in the comments below or discuss on social media!