Why do we use boiled peanuts in our OIT program?

Boiled peanuts are considerably less allergenic and thus provide a better safety profile during the induction phase of peanut tolerance.

Boiling alters the protein structure of peanuts, reducing IgE antigenicity while retaining T-cell reactivity, which helps minimize the risk of severe allergic reactions during early treatment. 

At Compass Immunology, we follow a three-phase oral immunotherapy protocol: Phase 1: 12-hour boiled, Phase 2: 2-hour boiled, Phase 3: Roasted peanuts (peanut paste). This stepwise approach has been successfully implemented in our clinic since 2018 and has shown promising outcomes in terms of both safety and long-term desensitization.

While some clinics opt for off-the-shelf options like PB2 powder due to cost and convenience, studies have shown that this can lead to early reactions in a subset of children. Our method prioritizes safety and gradual tolerance-building, which we believe offers better outcomes for our patients.