The National Peanut Board has been committed to finding solutions for peanut allergy since its inception in 2001. To date, we have invested more than $36 million in food allergy research and education, which has led to national guidelines to help prevent peanut allergy and the first FDA-approved treatments for food allergies. The concept of an allergen-free or hypoallergenic peanut is not new, but from time to time, NPB sees renewed interest in its potential from scientists, investors and others seeking to make a difference for those with peanut allergy.
In 2023, NPB published an article on the subject, which is highlighted here.
We’re already making a significant difference, and the future looks bright
The best practices for peanut allergy prevention and treatment are credible, proven and positive. We are on a path to have multiple tools available to address prevention and treatment, which are viable peanut allergy solutions. Just a few of those advancements include:
- Xolair was approved for food allergies in February 2024. It provides protection for accidental exposure of multiple food allergens, including peanuts.
- There is an FDA-approved oral immunotherapy treatment and a skin patch treatment in the pipeline.
- Trials are underway for a peanut allergy vaccine – Peanut VLP 101. This is just one of several peanut allergy vaccines in development.
- The groundbreaking LEAP (Learning Early About Peanut)study proved that early introduction of peanut is highly effective at helping to prevent peanut allergy. The evidence was bolstered with the publication of the LEAP Trio study in May 2024.
- NPB is doubling down on peanut allergy research. We have announced a new food allergy research grant program with $250,000 in funding for the first year. This will shift our allergy research efforts to a formal competitive process, which will allow us to review a broader range of proposals and select projects that most closely align with our goal of eradicating peanut allergy.
This is an exciting and positive time for peanut allergy prevention and treatment. It is our steadfast goal to eradicate peanut allergy once and for all.
It’s in our nature to support science that improves lives and benefits the industry
George Washington Carver’s curiosity, scientific discoveries and advocacy for peanuts saved Southern agriculture in the 1900s. In modern times, the peanut industry’s investment in production research has led to the mapping of the peanut genome, a step change in yields and production practices that have made peanut production more efficient than ever before. As stewards of the investment of America’s peanut farmers, we will continue to support research that is both groundbreaking and has practical applications and benefits.