NCT06300697 · University of Michigan
Michigan Food and Atopic Dermatitis (M-FAD) Program - Molecular Analytics Project
What this study is about
This study will explore potential links between atopic dermatitis and food allergy. This information will be useful to determine atopic dermatitis and food allergy share unique biochemical or genetic identifiers useful for diagnosing and treatments in the future. This is a mechanistic study consisting of obtaining blood and skin samples from participants at baseline.
View original scientific description
This study will explore potential links between atopic dermatitis and food allergy. This information will be useful to determine atopic dermatitis and food allergy share unique biochemical or genetic identifiers useful for diagnosing and treatments in the future. This is a mechanistic study consisting of obtaining blood and skin samples from participants at baseline. Individuals may also undergo a clinically indicated oral food challenge and have blood and skin samples collected at various times during the oral food challenge. This study will create a molecular map of the pathology of atopic dermatitis and food allergy. This information will be deployed to evaluate the hypothesis that atopic dermatitis and food allergy share unique genetic transcriptional signals in which the study team can then further analyze pathological pathways and cell types.
Interventions
OTHER
Data and biospecimen collection
Enrolled participants will have health-related information and blood specimens collected.
OTHER
Skin biopsies
Participants will be asked to provide one or two skin biopsies (days 1 and 2) from the forearm, unless the participant is a healthy child (no food allergy and no atopic dermatitis), in which case there will be no skin biopsy.
OTHER
Oral Food Challenge (OFC) procedures
Participants will have the choice of consenting to an OFC (approximately 2-4 hours) to peanut, tree nut, egg, milk, or sesame. If there is no allergy history, the study team will conduct an oral food challenge to one of the choices. The OFC will occur in the clinical research area. and done the same as a clinical care OFC. A transepidermal water loss monitor will be applied to participant's arm with a sticky pad and will stay on the arm for the challenge. Food doses will be given in small amounts that increase in size up to a defined single serving of the food based upon the participants age/size. The OFC will proceed until a full dose is consumed without symptoms, or until anaphylaxis occurs. Depending upon the participant's reaction to the oral food challenge, the participant may be requested to return the next day for a research visit that would take less than an hour. The 24-hour post oral food challenge visit will include an interview to assess condition and a blood sample.
Primary outcome measures
Anaphylaxis occurrence rates in each group
Time frame: Approximately 4 hours (Day 1 during the food challenge)
Anaphylaxis likelihood will be defined by the Brighton criteria. Any Brighton Level 1, 2, or 3 anaphylaxis. Score 1 = definite anaphylaxis, score 2 = probable anaphylaxis, score 3 = possible anaphylaxis.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Have a known history of food anaphylaxis to peanut, tree nut, egg, milk, or sesame confirmed by an allergist.
- Have had skin and blood food allergy testing to the food allergen in question within the past 6 months. Meet the 80% likelihood positive predictive value threshold for allergy based on at least 1 of either the skin or blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests per current literature corrected for age. See protocol for more details.
- No history of atopic dermatitis Food allergy plus atopic dermatitis group Inclusion Criteria: \- Meet the "food allergy only group" inclusion criteria except this group must also have atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis without food allergy Inclusion Criteria:
- Have a present diagnosis of atopic dermatitis by an allergist and/or dermatologist.
- Have no history of food allergy, past or present. Control Group Inclusion Criteria: \- No history of food allergy or atopic dermatitis, past or present.
Exclusion criteria
- for all groups:
- People younger than age 10 or older than age 55
- Any active cardiovascular disease, cancer, pulmonary disease except well-controlled asthma, or other condition that would preclude an OFC otherwise. Mild conditions that would not preclude an OFC are allowed (i.e., controlled hypertension or a surgically removed skin cancer that is resolved would not be exclusionary for this study, for example).
- Any medication use that cannot be stopped temporarily for the OFC that would interfere with the OFC result. Medications in this category include antihistamines (first or second generation) within 1 week.
- Any skin condition aside from atopic dermatitis per inclusion criteria groups that might impact the study, including such conditions as autoimmune skin conditions (such as psoriasis), congenital ichthyoses, hyper-IgE syndromes.
- Any recent change (within 6 months) of starting or stopping a biologic medication, such as dupilumab, tezepelumab, or others that might interfere with atopic dermatitis or food allergy.
- Any past or present history of oral immunotherapy (OIT) for any food allergen.
- Pregnancy - females of childbearing age will be asked and self-report pregnancy status.
Where
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 25, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations