Transdermal Peanut Patch Shows Increased Clinical Benefit Over 5-Year Study
AAAAI 2025. Treatment response rates with daily use of the VIASKIN peanut patch increased from 39% at baseline to 73.3% at 60 months in youth aged 4 to 11 years.
Children with peanut allergies may experience sustained and increasing benefits from long-term treatment with the VIASKIN peanut patch, according to new data presented at the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) / World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress, being held February 28 - March 3, 2025.
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Findings from the open-label extension PEOPLE study demonstrated that after 60 months of treatment, 73.3% of participants, aged 4 to 11 years, were treatment responders, with two-thirds able to consume 3 to 4 peanuts.
“It is promising that more than 73% of participants were treatment responders, especially in an adolescent patient population, with two-thirds consuming 3 to 4 peanuts at month 60,” lead author David M. Fleischer, MD, said in a news release. “We know that VIASKIN peanut patch is a well-tolerated product with a promising safety profile, which is further supported by an average treatment compliance of 93% up to 5 years.”
The PEOPLE study is an extension of the PEPITES (Peanut EPIT Efficacy and Safety) trial, which assessed the efficacy of daily treatment with the VIASKIN peanut patch containing 250 μg of peanut protein (VP250). PEPITES participants, aged 4 to 11 years, were randomized to either placebo or VP250 for 12 months. Those who completed the study were eligible to enroll in PEOPLE for up to 60 months of open-label treatment.
Of the 356 participants in PEPITES, 298 enrolled in PEOPLE, and 87 (29.2%) continued treatment through month 60. At study entry, the mean age was 11.1 years. Treatment response rates increased from 39.1% at PEPITES completion to 52.9% at 36 months and 73.3% at 60 months. Additionally, the proportion of participants achieving an eliciting dose of more than 1000 mg increased from 33.3% at the end of PEPITES to 48.3% at 36 months and 66.7% at 60 months. Peanut-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels decreased, while IgG4 levels increased, consistent with other allergen immunotherapy studies.
The VIASKIN peanut patch demonstrated a favorable safety profile throughout the 60-month study period, with no reports of severe systemic allergic reactions. Localized skin reactions such as mild erythema or pruritus were the most common adverse events but generally resolved without intervention. The long-term tolerability of the treatment is a crucial factor for patient adherence.
The high level of adherence observed in the study (93% through the 5 years) suggests that the treatment is manageable for both children and their caregivers. The non-invasive nature of epicutaneous immunotherapy may contribute to its acceptability compared with oral immunotherapy approaches, which can require more intensive monitoring and carry a higher risk of adverse reactions. The VIASKIN patch introduces microgram amounts of biologically active compound to the immune system through intact skin, according to manufacturer DBV Technologies, desensitizing the individual by modifying the underlying allergic response.
While further studies are needed to confirm its durability and potential benefits in broader populations, the current results indicate that sustained treatment leads to increased desensitization over time. Future research may explore combination therapies or investigate the effects of discontinuing treatment after reaching a specific tolerance threshold.
