Southampton: The Natasha Clinical Trial in Action

We had the opportunity to visit the Southampton Clinical Research Facility in September, to see first-hand how The Natasha Clinical Trial is researching treatments to support people with food allergies.

Our team was joined by partners from Azzurri Group (Ask and Zizzi), CH&CO, and Lidl, who were able to see how their generous support could lead to new treatments that will make a real difference to families affected by food allergies.

Children as young as two are taking part in the £2.7 million Natasha Clinical Trial across 9 NHS hospitals including Southampton. The trial is testing whether commonly available foods can be used to treat severe peanut or cow’s milk allergies - an approach which, if successful, has the potential to transform the treatment of food allergies across the NHS.

During the visit, our partners toured the facilities where families attend their appointments and undergo testing, and visited the laboratories where vital sample analysis takes place.

They also heard from Sam, one of the older participants in the trial, who generously shared his personal experience of living with food allergies and taking part in the research. His openness gave a powerful insight into the daily challenges faced by people with food allergies and the difference this trial could make to future generations.

We are hugely grateful to Hasan Arshad, Professor of Allergy and Immunology, and the wider Southampton research team for welcoming us, and to our partners whose commitment is driving forward this landmark trial.

Results from The Natasha Clinical Trial are expected in 2027.