Welcome to our January research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact food allergy treatments, education, and awareness.

This month, we are highlighting research opportunities and news on:

• Oral epinephrine
• Progress in patch treatment for peanut allergy in children
• Risk factors for food allergy in kids with eczema
• Experiences with food allergies on flights
  
  

Note: The links below will take you to external websites.

Latest Food Allergy News

FDA Confirmed Accelerated Approval Pathway for Viaskin Peanut Patch
DBV Technologies recently announced progress in the approval pathway of its Viaskin peanut patch. The peanut patch is designed for toddlers aged 1 to 3 with a peanut allergy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the patch meets 2 key criteria for approval:

• Addressing a serious condition
• Offering a meaningful advantage over existing treatments

The patch's commercial version, which has been changed to be easier for caregivers to use, will also be evaluated in a post-market study.

DBV is also launching the COMFORT Toddlers study, a Phase 3 trial to gather more safety and adhesion data. This study will include about 480 participants across several countries and last up to 24 months. Results from both EPITOPE and COMFORT studies will support a Biologic License Application (BLA) submission to the FDA by late 2026. If approved, the Viaskin peanut patch could become a new option for managing peanut allergies, offering hope for families and caregivers seeking effective treatments.

Sociodemographic Factors Linked to Food Allergy Diagnosis Among Some Children with Eczema
A recent study of 3,365 children with atopic dermatitis (eczema) examined how socioeconomic factors and race/ethnicity influence food allergy diagnosis and testing. Researchers found large differences in access to allergist evaluations and objective food allergy testing based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors.

Hispanic children with eczema and food allergy were less likely to see an allergist compared to White or Asian children. Non-Hispanic Black children were less likely than White children to have objective food allergy testing. Also, White and Asian children were more likely to get thorough blood and skin testing compared to Black or Hispanic children.

These disparities may lead to inaccurate food allergy diagnoses, impacting children’s nutrition and quality of life. The study highlights the need to address barriers to equitable evaluation, including health care access, to ensure all children receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate care.

Managing Food Allergy on Flights
A recent global survey of over 4,700 revealed that air travel is a common source of anxiety for people with food allergies and their families. Common concerns include airlines failing to honor promised accommodations like cabin announcements, allergen-free zones, or providing allergen-free food in flight.

Also, some travelers were required to sign liability waivers or provide doctor’s notes before boarding. Anxiety also stemmed from potential confiscation or contamination of epinephrine or safe foods by airport security.

Many travelers avoided disclosing their allergies due to fear of negative consequences. As a result, over 40% of in-flight allergic reactions were not reported to airline staff and 95% were managed with passengers’ or others’ epinephrine. Positive experiences were often linked to crew members with personal food allergy knowledge, emphasizing the importance of training and empathy in airline staff. These findings highlight the need for better documentation and system-wide policies to ensure the safety of travelers with food allergy.