Researchers are a step closer to managing peanut allergies

Skippy peanut butter.
(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

An experimental patch aimed at reducing allergic reactions to peanuts has researchers excited about further trials, AFP reports. Phase two of testing involved monitoring three groups wearing Viaskin Peanut patches that dispensed different doses of peanut protein while a fourth group wore a placebo. The highest dosage of the protein helped half the patients; the placebo helped one quarter.

The sample size of the treatment groups was described by its lead, Hugh Sampson of Mount Sinai, as "relatively small," and a phase three will explore further responses to the highest dose patch.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More
Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.