Phase 1 Trial Shows Fecal Microbiota Transplants Can Reduce Peanut Allergy Severity

Boston Children's Hospital trial reveals potential for peanut allergy tolerance improvement via gut microbiome adjustments

Boston Children's Hospital conducted a phase 1, open-label trial on 15 adults with peanut allergies. Participants received fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) from healthy donors without peanut allergies—either as single 36-capsule doses or after a short antibiotic course. Forty percent of participants showed meaningful tolerance improvements to peanut protein: three tripled their tolerance to 300 milligrams, three increased it six-fold to 600 milligrams, and one tolerated 1,043 milligrams. Tolerance gains persisted for at least four months. The study identified two bacterial species from the genus *Bacteroides* as likely contributors to protection. This trial had no placebo group or blinding. While results suggest FMT could reduce emergency care needs for severe allergic reactions, the small sample size and lack of placebo control mean larger trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy. Peanut allergy prevalence remains low globally (1-2%), but the approach addresses a specific medical need where emergency care is currently costly and inaccessible.

Source: ScienceAlert