A new study has demonstrated that specially formulated toothpaste containing a small amount of peanut protein could be used to reduce the severity of reactions in allergy sufferers.
The toothpaste is a product from US biotechnology company Intrommune Therapeutics known as ‘OMIT’. It works by exposing peanut allergy sufferers to a small amount of the allergen to increase their tolerance.
Any future reactions to a full dose of peanut would be then be less severe. This model of immunotherapy has been used for years, but it has never been administered through toothpaste before.
The study involved 32 peanut allergy sufferers who were given either an escalating dose of peanut toothpaste or a placebo. The toothpaste was used by participants for two minutes a day over 11 months.
A particular advantage of toothpaste for delivering the protein is its simplicity and similarity to regular oral care routines.
William Berger is one of the authors of the study. He said: ‘OMIT as a delivery mechanism for peanut protein has great potential for food allergy desensitisation. Due to its targeted delivery and simple administration, it supports the goal of improved adherence.’
‘A safe and convenient option’
The focus of the study was the safety of the treatment for those with allergies. By the end of the trial, all of the participants treated with the toothpaste were able to tolerate the highest dose given.
‘No moderate nor severe systemic reactions occurred in active participants,’ said Dr Berger. ‘Non-systemic adverse reactions were mostly local (oral itching), mild, and transient.
‘There was 97% adherence to treatment with no dropouts due to study medication. OMIT appears to be a safe and convenient option for adults with food allergies. The results support continued development of this toothpaste in the pediatric population.’
Additional long-term studies have been planned to further examine ongoing use of the toothpaste. According to Sky News, a study involving 80 children aged between four and 17 will begin next year.
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