New Peanut Allergy Therapy Offers Hope for Kiwi Families

A promising new therapy for peanut allergies is generating hope among families in New Zealand, as parents seek effective treatments to combat this life-threatening condition. In Auckland, a clinic is preparing to introduce a desensitisation treatment that could significantly change the lives of children suffering from peanut allergies.

Jaimee Knight and her husband Billy faced a terrifying moment when their son, Callum Knight, experienced an anaphylactic reaction at just ten months old. After a terrifying ambulance ride, Callum was revived with adrenaline, marking the beginning of their new reality as allergy parents. “It was very, very frightening,” says Jaimee, reflecting on that harrowing day.

Despite following advice that has evolved over the years regarding the introduction of allergenic foods, the Knights found themselves grappling with an increasing number of allergies. Callum is now severely allergic to peanuts, nuts, legumes, coconut, and sesame. Jaimee’s hope lies in a new treatment being offered at a private clinic in Auckland, known as Tiny Giants. This clinic is experiencing such high demand for its services that appointments are not available until next year.

The treatment, called Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), involves gradually increasing exposure to peanut allergens to build up tolerance. Although it is not a cure, it aims to alleviate the anxiety surrounding accidental exposure to allergens. Each session is expected to cost hundreds of dollars, but Jaimee is determined to pursue this option for her son, stating, “I will do anything, sell whatever I have to, in order to pay for that treatment.”

The context in New Zealand reveals a concerning trend. Hospital admissions for food-related anaphylaxis among children nearly tripled from 2006 to 2015. In 2015, the rate was 8.4 per 100,000 children, rising to 24 per 100,000 by 2015. Jan Sinclair, a paediatric allergist at Starship Hospital, notes that half of these reactions were triggered by nuts. Early guidelines advising parents to avoid allergenic foods likely contributed to this rise.

In the United States, recent changes in feeding guidelines have reportedly reduced the incidence of peanut allergies by preventing 40,000 children from developing this condition. Despite this, new data for New Zealand indicates that hospital admissions for food-related anaphylaxis in preschoolers have continued to climb. In the 2020/21 year, admissions reached 218, with a slight dip to 194 in the 2021/22 year. Ongoing studies suggest only 17% of infants are exposed to all major allergens by nine to ten months, raising questions about whether parents are fully adopting the new guidelines.

Mark Dixon, chief executive of Allergy NZ, emphasises that introducing allergens early, ideally before six months, is crucial. Yet, many parents remain hesitant, particularly those with personal allergy histories. The message is clear: continuous exposure is essential. Sinclair states, “There’s no point in eating peanut once and thinking, ‘Oh, that’s peanut done – tick.’ It’s regular, ongoing exposure.”

Another family navigating these challenges is that of Hannah Dahlke, who introduced allergens early to her first son, Max, without issue. However, her second son, Fin, developed severe eczema that led to multiple food allergies. “It was heartbreaking,” she recalls, describing the anxiety of managing Fin’s reactions. Despite no family history of allergies, Fin’s condition has made everyday life a constant source of concern for the Dahlke family.

As research continues, experts are exploring various factors contributing to allergy development, including delivery methods and microbiome exposure. While some studies suggest a link between caesarean sections and food allergies, Sinclair notes that the connection is likely minor compared to other factors like genetics and diet.

Currently, families like the Knights and Dahlkes are eagerly awaiting the rollout of OIT in New Zealand. Although it is already available in the United States and parts of Europe, local trials are still in their early stages. The Starship Hospital is conducting trials funded by the Starship Foundation, allowing limited access for children under two.

Dixon advocates for making OIT widely available within New Zealand’s public health system, citing international success and the potential to alleviate a significant burden on families. “It’s really expensive… There’s obvious success internationally – why isn’t New Zealand following suit?” he questions.

Meanwhile, the demand for treatments like the Palforzia peanut powder capsule, which is approved in the US and Europe, remains unmet in New Zealand due to regulatory hurdles. Families are left searching for alternative options to protect their children from life-threatening allergies.

As parents navigate this challenging landscape, the hope for effective treatments is palpable. For Jaimee Knight, the possibility of a life with less fear surrounding Callum’s allergies represents a profound change. “It would be so huge,” she says, envisioning a future where her son can safely enjoy the same treats as his peers. The journey is ongoing, but the pursuit of solutions continues to inspire hope among families affected by peanut allergies in New Zealand.