Recent research presented at the 2024 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting suggests that Baked Milk Oral Immunotherapy (BMOIT) could significantly desensitize patients with cow’s milk allergy to both baked and unheated milk. Led by primary investigator Jennifer Dantzer, MD, MHS, the study sheds light on a promising avenue for addressing one of the most common food allergies among adolescents.
Cow’s milk allergy poses significant challenges due to its prevalence in young children, with approximately 20% persisting into adolescence and adulthood. Jennifer Dantzer emphasized the difficulties of managing this allergy, including the frequent and severe reactions and the impact on quality of life due to dietary restrictions.
The phase 2 study, conducted by Dantzer and her team, employed a double-blind, placebo-controlled design over 12 months. Participants were randomized to receive either BMOIT or a placebo, with oral food challenges conducted at the end of the first year. Following unblinding, placebo recipients transitioned to active therapy for another year.
Results from the study revealed promising outcomes. Among participants completing the second-year oral food challenges, 92% demonstrated tolerance to approximately 2g of baked milk doses, while 79% tolerated the maximum cumulative dose of 4g. Importantly, no severe reactions were reported, with symptoms predominantly mild and commonly presenting as oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Notably, participants undergoing BMOIT for 24 months exhibited a higher median tolerance level for unheated milk compared to those initially in the placebo group, suggesting that prolonged treatment may enhance efficacy.
These findings offer hope for patients with cow’s milk allergy, providing a potential avenue for effective immunotherapy. As one of the most prevalent food allergies in young children, cow’s milk allergy necessitates definitive treatment options. Dantzer and her team’s study on BMOIT offers valuable insights into future treatment choices for this challenging condition.
In conclusion, the study underscores the safety and efficacy of baked milk oral immunotherapy in children with severe milk allergy, offering a promising approach to address this common food allergy and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.
