ISRAEL – In a remarkable stride towards mitigating the rising concern of peanut allergies, scientists in Israel have unveiled the “Mona Peanut,” a revolutionary solution that could transform the lives of those afflicted by this debilitating condition.
As peanut allergies continue to surge, particularly in Western countries where cases have doubled over a decade, the world of medical science is responding with innovation that could hold the key to a brighter future for allergy sufferers.
With approximately one in 50 children in the UK now grappling with peanut allergies, the demand for effective solutions has never been more pressing, reports Food Navigator.
Cases of peanut allergies vary drastically across regions, with countries like Greece reporting scarce instances. However, this discrepancy has not deterred researchers from striving to address the global issue and offer relief to those affected.
Unlocking “Mona Peanut”
Traditional treatments, such as oral immunotherapy (OIT), which expose individuals to gradually increasing doses of allergens, have shown promise in raising tolerance levels to peanuts.
However, Dr. Mona Kidon, Director of the Pediatric Allergy Clinic at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel, recognizes the limitations and drawbacks of such approaches.
To counter these challenges, she spearheaded the development of the “Mona Peanut,” a unique variety of peanut bred for reduced allergenicity when subjected to baking.
The innovation lies in the process of creating a strain of peanuts before their allergenic proteins emerge, rendering them less reactive when heated.
The “Mona Peanut” is then transformed into cookies, allowing children with severe peanut allergies to consume them without triggering adverse reactions.
The concept hails from the notion that, like cooked eggs or milk, the proteins in peanuts could be rendered less harmful through baking, a feat that has remained elusive until now.
Promising results
The phase 2A study of the “Mona Peanut” yielded promising outcomes. Over a 40-week period, 32 children with severe peanut allergies safely consumed cookies containing peanut protein, with none experiencing reactions.
After this regimen, participants consumed a substantial dose of peanut protein, demonstrating improved tolerance levels.
Remarkably, six months later, a subset of participants exhibited a remarkable transformation – they could now consume peanuts without daily exposure, signifying a significant leap forward in treatment possibilities.
With the phase 2A study completed and success demonstrated, Dr. Kidon and her team are setting their sights on further trials, optimization of production, and regulatory approvals.
Their goal is to extend this innovation to encompass other types of nuts, including walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and almonds. The impact of the “Mona Peanut” could potentially transcend peanut allergies alone, revolutionizing the landscape of food allergies as a whole.
As the “Mona Peanut” journey continues, it holds the promise of transforming the lives of countless individuals who have long grappled with the restrictive and potentially life-threatening implications of severe peanut allergies.
While the road ahead may hold challenges, the horizon shines with hope for those who could soon enjoy a world of culinary freedom that was once beyond their reach.
