In a significant breakthrough that could transform the lives of millions of people with dangerous peanut allergies, new research from the UK has found that adults can become desensitised to peanuts through carefully supervised daily exposure. The study, published in the journal Allergy, is the first of its kind to demonstrate that the window for effective allergy treatment may not be limited to childhood, providing a new pathway for severely allergic adults who, until now, have had few options besides lifelong avoidance (The Guardian, King’s College London news release).
Peanut allergy is a constant source of worry for sufferers—one small mistake can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. In Thailand, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in many dishes, this risk looms large, impacting everything from social gatherings to travel choices. Typically, allergy treatments such as oral immunotherapy (OIT)—where allergic individuals are gradually introduced to tiny amounts of allergen—have been tested mainly in children, with unclear prospects for adults. Now, the Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI) trial led by a research team from King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has upended that assumption.
The trial recruited 21 adults aged 18 to 40, all with confirmed severe peanut allergies. Participants underwent a meticulous protocol: initial doses of peanut flour, measured in milligrams (as little as less than 1% of a peanut), were given under medical supervision. If tolerated, these doses were increased every two weeks. After months of escalating the dose—eventually reaching the equivalent of four peanuts per day—67% of participants could safely consume around five peanuts’ worth of protein without suffering an allergic reaction. Although this doesn’t “cure” the allergy, it greatly reduces the risk posed by accidental consumption, offering peace of mind and a safer daily life (The Guardian).
“This trial provides preliminary evidence that adults can also be desensitised and that this improves quality of life,” said the trial’s Chief Investigator, Professor of Allergy at King’s College London. He further stressed the burden that peanut allergy places on daily life and noted that until now, strict avoidance and emergency treatment with adrenaline were the only available strategies.
A key feature of the trial was not just the improvement in physical safety but also the impact on psychological wellbeing. The lead author, a specialist allergy dietitian at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said many participants described the experience as “life-changing,” as they no longer lived in a constant state of vigilance or fear. The story of one participant, a 28-year-old who had lived with peanut allergy since infancy, was telling: “Now, I have four peanuts every day with my breakfast to maintain my immunity. Before, a tiny mistake could have life-threatening impacts, but now I don’t have the fear that I might collapse and die from eating a takeaway.”
Despite the optimism, the research team emphasized that this approach is not a cure and participants must remain vigilant. Even after desensitisation, they were advised to limit peanut intake to their prescribed daily dose and to always carry adrenaline auto-injectors in case of accidental overexposure. The process itself took significant commitment—up to 14 months for some participants due to COVID-related delays—but the benefits, both physical and psychological, were clear. The average tolerated peanut dose increased by more than 100-fold over the trial, with sustained benefits for most.
Oral immunotherapy works by gradually retraining the immune system to tolerate the allergen, reducing the likelihood and severity of adverse reactions. Similar studies had previously indicated strong results in children, but adults were considered a more challenging group due to the assumption that immune “memory” is harder to alter later in life. The success of GUPI has suggested that, with the right protocols and support, significant desensitisation is possible even well into adulthood (King’s College London).
The broader implications are profound. For Thailand, where understanding and management of food allergies are improving but remain less developed than in some Western countries, this research could pave the way for more accessible and effective adult allergy therapies. As in many societies, peanut allergy in Thailand often leads to social isolation and heightened anxiety—particularly when so many popular foods, from satay to desserts, are peanut-based. An assistant professor at a renowned Thai medical university (name omitted in accordance with journalistic protocol) explained, “Many Thai patients over 18 have given up hope on improving their peanut allergy. This study shows that we may soon have treatments that work at any age, provided they are administered in specialized clinical settings.”
Local adaptation will require significant upskilling in allergy management by Thai medical professionals. Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration and Ministry of Public Health have increased awareness and labelling requirements for food allergens in recent years (Thai FDA). However, OIT remains a specialized treatment, requiring clinical expertise, access to allergen-standardized preparations, and close patient monitoring to avoid severe reactions. The current study serves as a foundation for more in-depth trials, and experts suggest that hospitals such as Siriraj Hospital and Chulalongkorn Hospital could become early adopters of similar protocols.
Globally, food allergies have surged, with peanut allergies particularly prevalent in Western populations but increasingly reported in Asia. A 2021 review in the “Asia Pacific Allergy” journal found a growing incidence of nut allergies across urbanizing Asian countries, attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and dietary factors (Asia Pac Allergy). In Thailand, food allergies often go underdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and specialized testing. This new research could raise the profile of allergy care and self-advocacy, encouraging more patients to seek specialist help.
One of the study’s significant takeaways is its demonstration of improved quality of life: participants reported being able to eat in restaurants or attend social gatherings with friends and family without constant fear. A specialist at a Thai allergy clinic noted, “For Thai adults who live and work in environments where food is shared informally and cross-contamination is a risk, this would be a very welcome advance.”
The research was funded by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with senior health officials heralding it as a milestone in adult allergy management. A public health minister in the UK stated, “This groundbreaking research offers hope to thousands living with peanut allergies… these results show how we’re transforming lives through science, potentially changing care standards for adults with peanut allergies worldwide.”
As with any new intervention, broader trials are essential to confirm safety and efficacy in larger, more diverse populations. The study’s authors say the next step is to understand which adult patients benefit most and whether long-term tolerance—as opposed to daily desensitisation—can be achieved, echoing similar questions among Thai and Asian allergy specialists.
Thai readers with severe peanut allergy, or parents of allergic children, should be encouraged by the study’s clear message: adulthood is not too late for meaningful allergy intervention. However, oral immunotherapy should never be attempted at home and must be strictly supervised by allergy specialists to avoid severe reactions. Thai healthcare providers and policymakers should watch this trend closely and consider supporting research and clinical trials to adapt findings to the Thai context. Coupled with robust food labelling laws, professional awareness campaigns, and increased allergy training among healthcare staff, OIT may soon be a real option for Thai adults hampered by lifelong food fears.
For now, Thai allergy sufferers should continue to avoid peanuts and seek advice from certified allergists. Those interested in OIT or clinical trials can consult university hospitals and specialist clinics for new opportunities as more research emerges. In the long run, the success of the GUPI study promises not only greater peace of mind for individual patients but also a step toward a more inclusive and allergy-aware Thai society.
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