Peanut allergy treatment to be offered by NHS England

ITV News Correspondent Ben Chapman speaks to the nine-year-old girl who no longer has to worry about what she eats

Children with peanut allergies in England will be the first in Europe to receive a "life-changing" treatment after successful trials.

The oral treatment Palforzia helps to reduce the severity of symptoms after a reaction to peanuts, including anaphylaxis.

NHS England has secured a deal for the treatment after Evelina London Children’s Hospital took part in two large trials.

Nine-year-old Emily is one of the first children to benefit from the treatment.

Mum Sophie Pratt said being on the clinical trial had changed the whole family's lives.

She added: "The treatment we received has meant that Emily is free from limits and the fear that the tiniest mistake could put her life at risk, and it has removed all the tension and worry that the simple act of eating loomed over us every day.

“It was particularly noticeable at special occasions like birthdays, Christmas and on holidays where there are often special foods like cakes, ice cream and treats that invariable had warnings, ‘may contain peanuts’ or menus not in English.

“Since the trial, Emily can go to parties and playdates with confidence, eat in restaurants without us having to call ahead to check the menu.

"And we’ve managed to have her first holiday abroad to New York and even taken part in feeding animals at zoo experiences – which is Emily’s passion.

“We could not be more grateful.”

A study found around six in 10 four to 17-year-olds who reacted to around 10g of peanut protein at the start of the trial were able to take a dose of 1,000mg of it by the end, which is significantly higher than the amount of accidental exposure.

Up to 600 children aged four to 17 are expected to be treated this year as a result of the NHS England deal. Some 2,000 a year after that will be treated.

Peanut allergies currently affect one in 50 children in the UK.

NHS medical director, Professor Stephen Powis, said: “This pioneering treatment can be life-changing for patients and their families and, thanks to the deal the NHS has struck, people here will be the first in Europe to benefit.

“It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years, and carrying around emergency medication just in case.

“They should be able to enjoy meals out or holidays abroad together without worrying about an allergic reaction that could land them in hospital or worse.”

Professor George du Toit, children’s allergy consultant at Evelina London, was senior investigator for the UK for both of the trials.

He said: “This is great news for children and young people with peanut allergies. The approval of Palforzia represents a significant step forward towards improving the care for allergy sufferers, and we will now have access to the first treatment licensed to reduce the severity of this allergy and to protect against accidental exposure to peanuts.

“This will make a huge impact to the every day lives of our patients and their families.”