Peptide Therapeutics to Prevent Allergic Reactions to Peanuts Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Background

Food allergies, in particular, allergy to peanuts, are a serious public health concern that can culminate in death.There are more than 150 million people affected by allergic disease in Europe and 7 million of them suffer from food allergy. This 150 million figure is predicted to increase exponentially and it is estimated that by 2025 more than 50% of all Europeans will suffer from at least one type of allergy, with no age, social or geographical distinction. 

Description of invention

Type I allergy is characterized by the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, against otherwise harmless antigens. Our novel peanut allergy therapy constitutes of IgE epitope-like peptides, that bind to specific IgEs and Ara h 2- specific IgEs on the surface of effector cells of patients with allergy to peanuts. Consequently, degranulation and segregation of mediators in the allergic reaction are prevented. 

Main advantages

Currently, there is no definitive treatment for peanut allergy. The therapy provides a permanent cure.