Convenient, bespoke programmes for children with peanut allergy
OIT aims to gradually introduce peanut back into your child's diet. To mitigate the risk of reactions during updosing, we do not use retail peanuts, or capsules filled with crude peanut flour.
We only used characterised peanut protein. The source material is quality controlled and then formulated in an MHRA inspected facility to GMP standards, which is then further controlled for allergen content and batch-to-batch variation. We never use uncontrolled retail peanut products. This is an unlicensed, or 'specials' prescription medication, supplied under MHRA Guidance Note 14 within a regulated framework to meet individual patient needs. The contents of the capsules are emptied into a food (e.g. yogurt or other tolerated food), which is then eaten.
Peanut oral immunotherapy depends on very small, carefully adjusted doses of peanut protein, increased gradually over time. To do this as safely and consistently as possible, the peanut protein needs to be standardised and manufactured to appropriate pharmaceutical quality standards.
Retail peanuts and food-grade peanut flour are not made for medical dosing. Their protein content can vary significantly between batches, brands, and harvests, making precise dosing difficult. Even when food-grade peanut flour is placed into capsules — including so-called “mass filling” methods — the underlying variability remains.
The total package cost is currently £9,900 which is paid in two instalments. This includes all products, consultations and support up to 12m total treatment for the standard regimen. The initial consultation cost is £320 for face to face, and £200 for a video call, the remainder is paid should you decide to proceed.
Peanut introduction is suitable for the majority of peanut allergic people from age 1 year, but it not suitable for everyone. This treatment is not recommended for patients who:
Dr Clark has the longest experience of anyone in the UK in treating patients with peanut OIT, over 15 years. He ran the first ever published clinical trial of peanut OIT in 99 children with peanut allergy, which sparked the current interest in this treatment. He has then gone on to personally treat over 200 children with peanut OIT in the Cambridge Peanut Allergy Clinic over the past eight years.
Is oral immunotherapy regulated in the UK?
Yes. Treatments used to manage medical conditions are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Can foods be considered medicines?
Sometimes. If a food is given in a clinical setting, following a structured dosing plan to treat a food allergy, it can fall under medicines regulation.
What are the risks of using retail food products for OIT?
Retail peanut products and food-grade flours:
In OIT, where doses are carefully increased to change immune responses, this variability can affect safety.
What is an unlicensed (“special”) medicine?
A “special” is a medicine without UK marketing approval, supplied under MHRA guidance when a clinician identifies a special clinical need for an individual patient.
Why are unlicensed medicines used?
They may be used when no authorised medicine is suitable or available. Their supply is regulated and places clear responsibilities on prescribers and suppliers to ensure appropriate quality oversight and patient safety.
How does this differ from retail food use?
Unlicensed medicines are supplied under strict regulations and quality controls. Retail food products are not designed, tested, or monitored as medicines.
No claims about safety can be made about the product we use. From published data on food immunotherapy with a range or products, peanut OIT carries potential side effects. These can range from mild to severe and may include:
Mild Side Effects:
Moderate Side Effects:
Severe Side Effects:
In clinical trials of peanut OIT, a small number of children (<3%) developed a condition known as eosinophilic oesophagitis. This presents with difficulty swallowing and food sticking in the throat. It is treated with swallowed medication and resolves in most cases. If this develops then the peanut reintroduction will need to stop.
The regimen involves a structured schedule of eating incremental amounts of peanut, spread over several months, followed by a maintenance phase. Once the increasing phase is complete, you will take a regular maintenance amount daily until a total of one year of peanut ingestion has been achieved. Your ongoing care will be returned to your usual healthcare provider. You may opt to continue to be looked after by our team, and continue to take product, at additional cost.
Yes, some patients may need to adjust, reduce, or slow down their schedule due to side effects or illness. This will be managed through discussion with us. We may advise restarting on a lower amount, possibly with a slower regimen.
We use a bespoke patient and clinician diary App which you fill in daily with the amount of peanut taken and also use it to record any skipped doses or side effects. The clinician can see this instantly in their version of the App. Your family will also have access to clinician support through a dedicated Whatsapp group and can join a video call if needed to discuss and plan for any emergent issues.
Our allergy specialist team will guide you through the process and address any questions or concerns. You will have regular video calls and they will be available during office hours to discuss dose alterations or other issues regarding your treatment. You will have a dedicated communication channel with our allergy specialist during office hours to discuss any reactions or dose alterations.
During the OIT regimen, you should:
Avoid Strenuous Exercise: For about 1-2 hours after taking the daily amount, avoid vigorous physical activity or hot showers / baths, which can increase the risk of side effects.
Maintain Consistent Dosing: Try to make a routine for taking your peanut in a protected time each day. It is important not to take it late at night. Additionally, take it with a little food as advised by our allergy specialist.
Supervise dosing: the peanut should be administered by a parent, who should stay with the child for 2 hours afterwards.
Treat any reactions: We will rehearse your emergency treatment protocols with you. You must carry oral antihistamines and adrenaline devices, and be prepared to treat any side effects.
Handle Illnesses Carefully: If you experience an intercurrent illness, such as a fever, vomiting or a flare up of asthma or hay fever, skip the peanut for that day. Our allergy specialist will guide you on how to restart it.
Control asthma or allergic rhinitis (hayfever): If you have these conditions, they must be very well controlled. Poorly controlled allergic disease increases the likelihood of a reaction to peanut.
Stay Informed: Fill in the online diary of doses and any reactions you experience. Report any concerns to one of our allergy specialists promptly.
If you are considering oral immunotherapy, you may wish to ask your clinician:
These questions can help you make an informed decision and understand the safety and regulatory framework of your treatment.
We are based in Cambridge but can treat patients from anywhere in the UK.
Just message us at info@privateallergyclinic.com and we will arrange a consultation. This is a routing allergy clinic visit where we can assess you or your child for suitability. It does not commit you to continuing.
Dr Andrew Clark is a key opinion leader in paediatric allergy practice. He has led pivotal clinical trials in peanut oral immunotherapy and supervised peanut allergy treatment for over 300 children in Cambridge.
Our peanut clinic fits around your family.
A 12-month programme costs only £9,900. You will be fully supervised by our team throughout.
We pioneer a convenient peanut introduction programme, following a process of gradually increasing characterised peanut protein.