NHS England has secured a new deal which means that children with peanut allergies in the UK will be the first to receive a groundbreaking new treatment.
The oral treatment – named Palforzia – decreases the severity of symptoms brought on by peanut allergies, including the potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, and will soon be available to up to 600 children aged four to 17 the first year, and 2,000 the following year, thanks to the new deal.
The deal has been secured after Evelina London Children’s Hospital took part in two large peanut allergy trials – the Palisade and Artemis studies.
Both trials are said to have transformed the lives of some of its participants.
“This pioneering treatment can be life-changing for patients and their families and, thanks to the deal the NHS has struck, people here will be the first in Europe to benefit,” explained NHS Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis.
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“It will reduce the fear and anxiety for patients and their families who may have been living with this allergy for years.
“And carrying around emergency medication just in case.
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“They should be able to enjoy meals out or holidays abroad together without worrying about an allergic reaction that could land them in hospital or worse.”
Palforzia decreases the severity of symptoms brought on by peanut allergies, including anaphylaxis / Credit: Flickr
In the UK, peanut allergies are currently said to affect one in 50 children.
The Artemis study, in particular, found that around six in 10 of the participants aged four to 17, who reacted to around 10mg of peanut protein at the start of the trial, were able to take a dose of 1,000mg by the end, which is well above the amount of accidental exposure.
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As mentionted, around 600 children aged four to 17 are expected to be treated with Palforzia this year, and the after that, some 2,000 children will be treated a year.
Professor George du Toit – Children’s Allergy Consultant at Evelina London – was senior investigator for the UK for both of the trials, and has called the rollout of the treatment “great news” for children and young people with peanut allergies.
“This will make a huge impact to the everyday lives of our patients and their families,” he added.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd December 2021 
