James Paget Hospital becomes first in the UK to start peanut allergy clinic
Doctors will be using a newly approved drug to help young people with the allergy
Last updated 10th Jun 2022
Great Yarmouth's James Paget has become the first hospital in the UK to start a life-changing peanut allergy clinic.
Initially open to just 10 to 12 year olds, it will see doctors use a newly approved drug called PALFORZIA to help prevent severe allergic reactions.
Peanut allergies affect more than six million people in Europe and America and can lead to life-threatening situations for those exposed to event a small amout of peanut.
The James Paget has been part of the global research trial, involving 175 children aged 4-17, to develop an oral immunotherapy to tackle peanut allergies.
Oral immunotherapy sees those with allegies exposed to small amounts of peanut proteins, in an attempt to get their immune systems used to them.
After success in the trial, doctors in Great Yarmuth are the first licenced to use PALFORZIA.
Dr John Chapman, Consultant Paediatrician at the James Paget, said: “Approval of use of PALFORZIA is a big step forward for people with peanut allergies.
"Having this treatment in place as an option is a vital part of supporting people with peanut allergies, many of whom are very young when this allergy is discovered.
“We are proud that the Trust is the first in the country to offer this treatment – with special thanks to the young patients and their families that took part in the ARTEMIS trial to get us to this point.”
The first PALFORZIA clinics were held yesterday (June 9).