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Sheffield MP learns about groundbreaking research trial to treat people with severe peanut and milk allergies

16 October 2024

Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohammed has visited Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust to meet eight-year-old Dylan who is on a groundbreaking research trial into new treatments for people with severe peanut and milk allergies.

Dylan is taking part in The Natasha Clinical Trial – the first medical research to be funded by The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, which was set up by Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse in 2019 after their daughter Natasha died aged 15 from a food allergy.

Lady with headscarf smiling sat next to yellow table and child in green hoody smiling

Sheffield Children’s is part of the three-year study. Instead of using expensive medicines, the trial, hosted at Sheffield Children’s Clinical Research Facility, will explore whether small amounts of peanuts and milk, taken carefully under the supervision of clinicians, can help reduce allergic reactions over time. The £2.7 million oral immunotherapy trial involves seven NHS hospitals across England and Scotland, treating up to 300 children and young people, aged two to 23, with milk and peanut allergies.

Dylan joined the research study in January 2024 and chatted with Abtisam about his experience of being part of the clinical trial. When asked what he is looking forward to trying when he can have more milk, he said: “Vanilla ice cream!”

Dylan’s mum Petra said: “Sheffield Children’s has been amazing, genuinely. Dylan is always happy to come here. The study has already improved Dylan’s quality of life to a completely different level and has been the answer we’ve been looking for. We no longer have to worry so much about the foods he eats, it’s given us a bit more freedom and is only going to get better.”

Abitsam also met Sheffield Children’s Consultant Paediatrician Dr Sibel Sonmez-Ajtai who specialises in allergy.dr sat on yellow sofa with child in green hoody chatting

Dr Sibel said: “It was fantastic to share our research facility with Abtisam and talk through the role Sheffield Children’s has in making sure vital research takes place to help create a healthier future for children and young people.

“We as healthcare professionals involved in groundbreaking research such as this are learning so much about food allergies and tolerance.

“International evidence shows that being excellent at research and innovation goes hand in hand with providing the best healthcare outcomes for patients. Patients and their families know that a hospital which excels at research, and where the latest innovations are available, are those where they will receive the most cutting-edge care and the best outcomes. Sheffield Children’s has the privilege of being a research site for many trials that can make a huge difference to children’s health.’

Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, said: “The Natasha Clinical Trial is a hugely important piece of medical research for people with food allergies in the UK. 

“It could potentially lead to new treatments being introduced on the NHS so we are delighted that Abtisam Mohamed, the new MP for Sheffield Central, is showing an interest in our clinical trial which could benefit the many thousands of those living with food allergies in her constituency.”

child Dylan smiling in green top and nurse Amy in blue outfit

Abtisam said: “Visiting Sheffield Children’s and learning about the researchers’ work was truly fascinating. However, hearing Dylan and his mum, Petra, share their experiences showed me the vital importance of this research. I’m eager to hear more stories from the children and young people who will benefit from this trial.”

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