Innovative Food Allergy Treatment Brings Hope to Families with Multi-Food Immunotherapy

A recent study highlights a promising development in managing food allergies among young children through multi-food immunotherapy. The research, conducted at UVA Health, involved desensitizing children under the age of three to common allergenic foods, including peanuts, eggs, cashews, and hazelnuts. One encouraging case is that of two-year-old Cole Copeland, who had multiple food allergies and was able to successfully pass a peanut challenge after participating in the study.

Cole's experience was part of UVA's Early Peanut Oral Immunotherapy program, which focused on gradually exposing allergic children to small, controlled doses of peanut protein. The goal was to increase their tolerance, enabling them to safely consume about two peanuts (roughly 500 milligrams of peanut protein) daily. In a study group of 30 children, more than half experienced no adverse effects, while others had mild reactions such as hives that could be treated with antihistamines. Remarkably, 27 children completed the therapy, suggesting that early intervention could be highly beneficial.

Experts from UVA, including pediatric allergists and nurses, believe that there may be an optimal window before age three when children’s immune systems are more receptive to such treatments. Dr. Jonathan Hemler emphasizes that, although the study lacked a placebo group, the results are promising and suggest that early intervention can lead to sustained desensitization.

Food allergies like peanut allergies impact approximately 2% of children in the U.S. and are a leading cause of emergency room visits. Most children do not naturally outgrow these allergies, with only 20-30% doing so. The UVA team aims to expand this research through larger clinical trials and long-term follow-up studies to monitor maintaining effects of the therapy.

In addition to peanuts, the therapy now includes other common allergens like tree nuts and sesame, with programs recently launched at UVA’s clinics in Zion's Crossroads and Lynchburg. The team also plans to increase access by onboarding new healthcare providers.

For families like the Copelands, this treatment represents a transformative hope. Jessica Copeland, Cole's mother, expressed relief that her child’s allergy management has improved significantly, reducing daily anxieties and dietary restrictions.

This emerging treatment approach continues to show potential, offering a safe and effective way to help young children overcome food allergies and improve their quality of life.