Childhood food allergies are rising faster than ever, now affecting one in 20 children in the UK.

And hospital admissions for life-threatening anaphylaxis have more than doubled in the past two decades, yet access to personalised treatment remains limited.

In response, three of the world’s most-influential allergy specialists has opened the UK’s first purpose-built allergy centre for both children and adults, designed to deliver fully-integrated care under one roof.

Based in Harley Street Health District, the world’s-leading location for whole health and innovation, the Allergy Centre of Excellence (ACE) combines advanced diagnostic testing, food challenges, oral immunotherapy (OIT), biologics, outpatient consultations, a dedicated day-case unit, and an onsite pharmacy.

With in-house critical care specialists and a high-dependency unit, the clinic offers a safe environment for complex cases and access to clinical trials for emerging treatments.

A fresh approach

ACE is one of the few centres licensed to deliver OIT in the UK.

And its bespoke allergy pharmacy will support early access to innovative therapies and facilitate clinical research into new treatment options — including recently-approved products such as EURneffy, the world’s-first needle-free nasal spray for anaphylaxis.

ACE is led by Professors George Du Toit, Adam Fox OBE, and Gideon Lack, whose pioneering work has shaped food allergy guidelines worldwide.

Collectively, their research has directly influenced clinical practice across the NHS and beyond and has been recognised with awards including an OBE and leadership roles in international allergy organisations.

The new state-of-the-art clinic has the capacity to treat thousands of children and adults each year.

Professor Fox said: “Food allergies now affect more children than ever, but services simply haven’t kept pace.

“Our new centre gives families across the country access to the care they need, when they need it – delivered to the highest standards of safety and innovation.

“The treatments we can now offer can transform quality of life for babies and children with allergies and offer unmatched peace of mind to parents and caregivers.”

Making an impact

For families who have received the latest innovative treatment options from ACE, the impact has been immediate.

Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a registered dietitian from Yorkshire whose six-year-old son is undergoing oral immunotherapy (OIT) at ACE, said: “This treatment has been completely life-changing.

“Our son used to have to avoid peanuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts, but now he eats small amounts daily and can safely have foods labelled ‘may contain nuts’.

“The difference it’s made to his safety, and our peace of mind, is incredible.

“We worry less about eating out, going abroad, and even secondary school.

“For us, this has been life saving as well as life changing.”

Patient groups have also welcomed the new clinic launch as a major step forward in helping families with food allergies.

Simone Miles, chief executive of Allergy UK, said: “We welcome the launch of the Allergy Centre of Excellence as a positive step forward in allergy care in the UK.

“This purpose-built clinic offers practical solutions to families navigating the daily challenges of living with allergies.

“The centre will help to improve access to life-changing therapies like oral immunotherapy and EURneffy, and integrated, patient-centred care.”

Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK, added: “The launch of the Allergy Centre of Excellence is a much-needed step forward in ensuring that individuals and families at risk of serious allergic reactions receive the expert care and support they need.

“For those living with the constant risk of anaphylaxis, access to specialist services, accurate diagnosis, and ongoing management can be life saving.

“We hope this centre will set a new standard for allergy care across the UK and increase awareness of the seriousness of allergic conditions.”