Peanut patch could prevent allergy emergencies
NEW YORK, N.Y. (WPVI) -- If you or your children are allergic to peanuts, you may be getting new help within the next few years.
A French company is testing Viaskin Peanut, a new drug that comes in the form of a patch.
The drug is designed to increase an allergic person's tolerance for peanuts.
The FDA recently approved fast-track testing for Viaskin Peanut with phase three. The final stage of new drug testing, starting by Christmas.
Some people in the trials were able to eat four peanuts without a reaction.
The drug's maker hopes to begin selling it in 2018.
Viaskin Peanut is not intended to wipe out the allergy.
However, it could help prevent an allergic reaction if someone accidentally eats something with peanuts.
Right now about 2 percent of kids have peanut allergies.
DBV, the company behind Viaskin Peanut, is also testing similar drugs for milk allergies.
Children's Hospital in Philadelphia is one of the testing sites for that patch.
