Over 70% of Toddlers Tolerate 3 to 4 Peanut Kernels 3 Years After Peanut Patch

New data presented as a late breaker at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando, Florida, show that the Viaskin Peanut Patch builds peanut tolerance in more than 70% of toddlers within 3 years.1

“These results show that ongoing treatment with the peanut patch continues to improve tolerance and remains safe over time,” said lead investigator Matthew Greenhawt, MD, MBA, from the Children’s Hospital Colorado, in a statement. “For parents of toddlers with peanut allergies, this kind of approach may one day offer peace of mind by reducing the risk of having an allergic reaction, including severe reactions, from accidental exposure.”

Back in April, the phase 3 EPITOPE trial published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology reported that Viaskin Peanut Patch (VP250; 250 µg) was effective and safe in desensitizing peanut allergies in children aged 1 – 3 years by month 12, regardless of atopic comorbidities, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and concomitant food allergy.2 The Viaskin Peanut Patch, which is an epicutaneous immunotherapy, delivers small amounts of peanut protein through the skin. This new analysis, presented at the meeting, was the open-label extension of EPITOPE, examining 56 toddlers who initially received a placebo in an earlier 1-year study and then used the peanut patch for up to 3 years.1

“These results are consistent with outcomes observed after 36 months in VP250-treated EPITOPE participants,” Greenhawt and colleagues wrote.1

After 3 years of treatment, 71.2% of toddlers could tolerate the equivalent of 3 to 4 peanut kernels (≥1000 mg), compared to only 62.7% after 1 year of treatment. Nearly half of the toddlers could tolerate even greater amounts of peanut, tolerating ≥ 2000 mg at month 12 (36.5%) and 36 (46.0%). In total, 28.4% and 42% completed the double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges at months 12 and 36 without meeting stopping criteria.1

Not only was the peanut path effective, but it was also safe. The study had no reports of treatment-emergent anaphylaxis in the third year. The most common adverse event, which was skin irritation at the patch side, became less frequent over time.1

During the 3 years, children’s reactions during food challenges turned milder. Children also had fewer severe symptoms after 3 years than after 1 year. In the study, 10% had severe symptoms during food challenges at month 36, compared with 19.2% at month 12.1

These findings suggest that intervening early in young children may help alter the trajectory of peanut allergy. Investigators emphasized that parents should not attempt any form of peanut desensitization at home but rather discuss treatments with a board-certified allergist.1

According to FARE, 1 in 13 children have food allergies, and among them, more than 40% have experienced a severe reaction.3 Although children with peanut allergy can turn to oral immunotherapy, it is linked to adverse events of nausea, vomiting, eosinophilic esophagitis, and anaphylaxis. Omalizumab, approved for food allergies in February 2024, has demonstrated effectiveness for this indication, but limited evidence exists on this drug’s sustained duration of effect. 4 The Viaskin Peanut Patch provides another potential desensitization option for young children with peanut allergy.

References

1. Peanut Patch Treatment Continues to Help Toddlers Safely Build Tolerance Over Three Years. Acaai.org. Published 2025. Accessed November 21, 2025. https://annualmeeting.acaai.org/2025/peanut-patch-treatment.cfm

2. Derman, C. Viaskin Patch Effective in Peanut-Allergic Kids with Atopic Comorbidities. HCPLive. https://www.hcplive.com/view/viaskin-patch-effective-in-peanut-allergic-kids-with-atopic-comorbidities. Accessed November 21, 2025.

3. Food Allergy Research & Education. Facts and statistics. Food Allergy Research & Education. Published 2024. https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics

4. Smith T. FDA Approves Omalizumab as First Treatment of 1 or More Food Allergies for Children, Adults. HCPLive. February 16, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-approves-omalozumab-first-treatment-of-1-or-more-food-allergies-for-children-adults. Accessed November 21, 2025.