The IAA One Minute Blog

Researchers are evaluating a toothpaste that claims to let patients who are sensitive to peanuts and other foods simply brush their allergies away.

Toothpaste to Help Combat Peanut Allergy

The new strategy is called oral mucosal immunotherapy (OMIT). It relies on the lining of the mouth which has a lot of immune response cells, to desensitize patients. All they have to do is brush with a specially formulated toothpaste containing peanut protein. Called INT301, it is dispensed in a metered dose and cleans the teeth at the same time.

To test the treatment, the team enrolled 32 adults ages 18 to 55 who had a peanut allergy. Over forty-eight weeks some used the actual toothpaste, which increased in strength. Others were given a placebo.

Researchers said everyone given the peanut toothpaste consistently tolerated the pre-specified highest dose.

Signs of Peanut Allergy

Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergic attacks. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms include:

• Digestive issues
• Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Skin reactions such as hives or swelling

An allergic response to peanuts occurs minutes after exposure.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America knows that living with a peanut allergy can be tough. IAA hopes that these new methods can make people’s lives safer!