Desensitisation trial to prevent allergic reactions to food

Tuesday, 29 April 2008 01:28

Researchers at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center are currently conducting a feeding trial on peanut- and egg-allergic people. By increasing doses of protein extract from the foods, they aim to see if they can induce the participants' immune systems to tolerate the food.

Study participants will start by consuming tiny amounts of either egg or peanut protein. Over the course of several months, and under close medical supervision, participants will consume the protein daily, slowly ramping up the amount they consume.

Shortly after reaching a maintenance dose, participants will be tested with a larger amount of either egg or peanut to see if the immunotherapy has reduced the immune system's response. Participants will continue taking the maintenance doses for one to three years to see if they can achieve long-term results.

To keep an eye on the progress of this trial, go to www.njc.org