UVA Health Children’s researchers have demonstrated that early peanut oral immunotherapy (epOIT) may safely desensitize children under 3 to peanut allergies. In a real-world study of 30 peanut-allergic toddlers, researchers gradually increased peanut protein doses, yielding remarkable results.
All 27 children completing the trial now tolerate 500 mg daily—one even accidentally ate 40 Reese’s Pieces without reaction. Side effects were mostly mild: 16 children had none, while 12 experienced easily-treated hives. Eight now eat peanuts freely.
With no placebo group, researchers are calling for larger trials to advance this potentially game-changing treatment for young children facing this common allergy.
This article originally appeared in the February 2026 issue.
