Launch of new clinical trial to prevent food allergies in children

Experts at Evelina London Children's Hospital and King's College London are opening a new clinical trial aimed at preventing children from developing food allergies.

The SEAL (Stopping Eczema and ALlergy) clinical trial is available for babies aged from birth to 12 weeks if they have any signs of dry skin or eczema.

Previous research has shown that if a baby develops eczema before the age of 3 months and needs to use prescribed steroids on the skin, they are 50% more likely to develop an allergy to peanut, sesame or egg as a child.

The SEAL trial aims to prevent children from developing a food allergy by restoring the skin barrier and managing inflammation. It's hoped this will prevent the transfer of food allergens through the skin.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health in America, Evelina London will be the only trial site in the UK for participants.

Participants in the trial will be assigned to 1 of 2 treatment strategies. In the first group, skin complaints will be managed reactively by the baby's healthcare team, addressing flare-ups of eczema as they arise. In the second group, babies will follow a proactive regimen, where topical moisturisers are prescribed for daily use, and topical steroids are used proactively for eczema flare-ups. Both groups will receive regular virtual check-ins with the study team to monitor progress and provide support.

Each participant will be on the trial for 2 years, and during that time will be reviewed by the clinical team 3 times at Evelina London's specialist allergy research centre. Participants will also be followed-up for food allergy testing annually until the age of 2 years, and take part in oral food challenges at the final visit.

Professor Helen Brough, professor of paediatric allergy at Evelina London and King's College London, and joint trial lead, said: "We have known for years that eczema is the strongest risk factor for developing a food allergy. In the SEAL study, we can evaluate whether we can target the skin of children with eczema to prevent a food allergy. We're pleased to be opening this new clinical trial, and hope it will make a difference for the next generation."

Dr Farhana Rahman's eight-week-old daughter, Yusra, is currently being screened with the hope of starting the trial.

Farhana, from south Croydon, said: "My hope is that this trial could reduce the risk of my baby developing food allergies, something she may be at higher risk of since I have eczema and allergic conditions myself.

As a GP I know how challenging these can be to manage, so I'm excited that through cutting edge research like the SEAL study, we may be able to avoid food allergies developing in the first place - not only in my daughter but also in other children in the future too.

"But ultimately as a mum I just want to do what's best for my child, so I feel reassured knowing my baby and I will be in safe hands with world-leading experts guiding treatment and specialists supervising our care every step of the way."

If you would like your child to take part in the SEAL clinical trial or would like more information, please email [email protected] or complete our online form.

The children's allergy service at Evelina London Children's Hospital is the largest of its kind in Europe.

The SEAL (Stopping Eczema and ALlergy) clinical trial is led by Harvard University, with 4 trial sites across America.