Patch treatment shows promise for treating milk allergies in children

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-02-27 03:00

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An immunotherapy patch could help treat milk allergies in children, according to international research. The Viaskin platform - also currently being investigated for peanut allergies - involves applying a patch daily that delivers a small amount of the allergen via the skin. In a study funded by Viaskin's developer, the researchers recruited just under 200 children aged 2-17 and randomised them to either receive the allergen in one of three dosages, or a non-active placebo patch for a year. While 30% of the placebo group showed improvement in their allergy severity over the year, about 36% of those taking both the highest and lowest dose showed improvement and 49% of the middle dose group showed improvement. The researchers say this means the treatment shows promise as an effective and safe treatment for one of the most common food allergies in children.