ANAHEIM, Calif. — A novel toothpaste could prove life-saving for individuals with peanut allergies, according to new research. The toothpaste in development would contain trace amounts of peanuts to incrementally increase patients’ immunity over time.
In the study, each participant was able to tolerate the highest dosage of peanut-infused toothpaste without experiencing any moderate to severe systemic reactions. While some reported minor, short-lived mouth itching, researchers deemed it to be a non-systemic symptom.
Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT), the method used in this approach, involves exposing individuals to their allergens to lessen their sensitivity and thus reduce reactions.
“OMIT uses a specially formulated toothpaste to deliver allergenic peanut proteins to areas of the oral cavity,” says allergist Dr. William Berger with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), in a media release. “OMIT as a delivery mechanism for peanut protein has great potential for food allergy desensitization. Due to its targeted delivery and simple administration, it supports the goal of improved adherence.”
ACAAI states that allergic reactions to peanuts can include symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramps, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, dizziness, and confusion, which are indicative of systemic reactions impacting entire organ systems.
“We noted that 100% of those being treated with the toothpaste consistently tolerated the pre-specified protocol highest dose. No moderate nor severe systemic reactions occurred in active participants. Non-systemic adverse reactions were mostly local (oral itching), mild, and transient,” Dr. Berger notes.
The ACAAI’s study included 32 individuals between 18 and 55 years-old with peanut allergies. Over a 48-week trial period, participants used either the peanut toothpaste or a placebo at a three-to-one ratio.
The participants brushed their teeth with progressively increasing doses of the peanut toothpaste or a peanut-free variant. Safety was a continuous focus, with blood tests conducted to monitor each individual’s immune response to the allergen.
“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,” concludes Dr. Berger.
The findings were presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Anaheim, California.
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South West News Service writer Pol Allingham contributed to this report.
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