A new UK-led study suggests adults with severe peanut allergies can become desensitised through carefully supervised daily exposure. Published in Allergy, the research is the first to show that effective allergy treatment may be possible beyond childhood, offering an option for adults who previously faced limited choices beyond strict avoidance.
Peanut allergy creates constant worry—one mistaken bite can trigger life-threatening reactions. In Thailand, where peanuts appear in many popular dishes, the risk affects social events and travel plans. Oral immunotherapy, or OIT, has mainly been tested in children, leaving adults with uncertain prospects. The Grown Up Peanut Immunotherapy (GUPI) trial, conducted by researchers at a leading London hospital partnership, challenges that assumption. It demonstrates that desensitisation is achievable in adults under rigorous medical supervision.
The trial enrolled 21 adults aged 18 to 40 with confirmed severe peanut allergies. Participants began with minute doses of peanut flour, measured in milligrams, under clinical monitoring. Doses were gradually increased every two weeks. After months of incremental increases, many reached the equivalent of four peanuts daily. About two-thirds of participants could safely consume roughly the protein from five peanuts without a reaction. While not a cure, the approach meaningfully lowers the risk from accidental exposure and improves daily life.
Trial leaders highlight that the benefits extend beyond physical safety. Many participants reported a notable improvement in quality of life, with less vigilance required in daily routines. A 28-year-old participant shared that desensitisation changed his life: “I can have four peanuts with my breakfast to maintain my tolerance. Previously, a tiny error could be life-threatening, but now I can enjoy meals with fewer fears.”
However, researchers cautioned that this is not a universal cure. Participants must continue to follow prescribed daily limits and carry adrenaline auto-injectors for emergencies. The process demanded substantial commitment, with some delays due to the pandemic. On average, the study found a more than 100-fold increase in tolerated peanut dose, with lasting benefits for most participants.
Oral immunotherapy works by retraining the immune system to tolerate the allergen, reducing the likelihood and severity of reactions. While encouraging results have appeared in children, adults were once considered harder to treat because immune memory was thought to be less malleable. The GUPI results suggest that with proper protocols and clinical oversight, meaningful desensitisation is possible for adults as well.
For Thailand, the findings carry important implications. As allergy care becomes more prominent, protocols like OIT could become more accessible in Thai hospitals, provided there is dedicated clinical expertise and standardized allergen preparations. Local authorities have already stepped up allergy awareness and labeling requirements, helping consumers identify potential exposures. Experts note that implementing OIT would require careful training and capacity-building at major centers to ensure safety.
Global trends show a rising incidence of nut allergies, including in Asia. Data and reviews from regional journals indicate growing awareness and the need for robust diagnostic and treatment options. In Thailand, many cases go undiagnosed or mismanaged due to limited specialist resources, underscoring the potential value of expanded adult allergy care.
A Thai allergy clinic specialist emphasized the study’s relevance for adults in shared eating environments, noting that desensitisation could significantly reduce social anxiety and improve dining-out experiences.
The UK research was funded by national health funding bodies, with officials calling the study a milestone in adult allergy management. While this progress is encouraging, experts warn that broader trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy across diverse populations. Future studies will help identify which adults benefit most and whether long-term tolerance is achievable beyond daily desensitisation.
For Thai readers, the study signals a hopeful path forward. While home treatment remains unsafe, professional OIT conducted in specialised clinics could become a viable option in the future, complemented by strong food-labelling policies, clinician training, and public education. OIT may help reduce fear and isolation associated with peanut allergies and support a more inclusive social life.
If you or a loved one has a peanut allergy, seek guidance from certified allergists at university hospitals or specialized clinics. Participation in clinical trials may become available as research progresses. The GUPI findings point toward a future where adults are not excluded from meaningful allergy treatment, aligning with Thailand’s broader goals of improving health care access and quality of life for people with allergies.
References:
- Research coverage from The Guardian
- King’s College London research news
- Asia Pacific Allergy review on nut allergy rise
- Thailand Food and Drug Administration updates