Every once in a while, an idea surfaces that makes you wonder why no-one had thought of it before. In the field of allergy treatments, the Viaskin® adhesive patch is just such an idea. http://www.dbv-technologies.com is home to French company DBV-Technologies, which has been working on a range of patches which have the potential to radically shake up the food allergy treatment landscape.

One of the most exciting features of this patch has to be its adaptability.

Source : http://www.dbv-technologies.com

As the diagram above shows, the patch’s basic operational approach involves delivering minute quantities of antigens to the skin and from there, to the body’s immune system. This method is suitable for all kinds of antigens, so all kinds of allergy sufferers can be treated – from those who are sensitive to house dust mites to individuals affected by allergic reactions to peanut or cow’s milk protein.

The Viaskin patch could be especially useful in treating or diagnosing allergies in children. Since it is a non-invasive technique, it will cause less distress to younger children or infants than other more painful methods which typically involve breaking the blood-skin barrier.