VE416 for Treatment of Food Allergy

In this research study the investigators want to learn more about an investigational medicine called VE416 in combination with vancomycin (an antibiotic) while undergoing peanut oral immunotherapy. VE416 is a combination of dormant (inactive) bacteria given in a capsule. The bacteria are reactivated once they reach participants intestines and in combination with peanut flour may help to prevent participants from getting sick (upset stomach, breathing problems, and skin problems) when participants come into contact with peanuts.

The investigators are doing this research study to find out if VE416 in combination with vancomycin (an antibiotic) while undergoing peanut oral immunotherapy can help people with peanut allergy. VE416 is a consortium of commensal, or "friendly", dormant (inactive) bacteria given in a capsule. The bacteria are reactivated once they reach participants intestines. The investigators also want to find out if VE416 with peanut oral immunotherapy is safe to take without causing too many side effects.

Inclusion criteria

• People of all ethnic/racial/gender groups aged 12-55 years old with a documented medical history of peanut allergy.
• Evidence of peanut-specific IgE by either: positive skin prick test to peanut (reaction wheal at least 5 mm larger than saline control) or serum peanut-specific IgE _5 kU/L at screening visit.
• Ara h 2 specific IgE >0.35 kU/L at screening visit.
• Willing to sign informed consent or whose parent or legal guardian is willing to sign the consent form (age appropriate).
• Willing to sign the assent form, if age appropriate.
• (For continuation into Phase II only) Allergic reaction requiring treatment at _ 100 mg dose of peanut protein during Entry Challenge.

Exclusion criteria

• History of severe anaphylaxis as defined by hypoxia (cyanosis or SpO2 <92% during reaction), documented hypotension (documented systolic BP >30% below predicted normal for sex, height, weight or from known baseline), neurological compromise (confusion, loss of consciousness), or incontinence.
• Severe or Moderate asthma as defined using the severity criteria of the current NHLBI Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/).
• Poorly-controlled asthma as defined by FEV1 <80% or any of the following symptoms: nighttime awakening >2 days/week or rescue medication use >2 days / week.
• Diagnosis of other severe or complicating medical problems, including autoimmune or chronic immune inflammatory conditions or gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions, including Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Inability to cooperate with and/or perform oral food challenge procedures.
• Inability to swallow size 0 capsule
• Primary Immune Deficiency
• Allergy to oat confirmed by skin prick testing and history
• Current use of beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Women of childbearing potential who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Hematocrit <0.36 for adult females or <0.38 for adult males Weight <23 kg
• Use within the past 6 months of other systemic immunomodulatory treatments including allergen immunotherapy, or use of biologics with an immune target, including omalizumab.
• Past or current medical problems or findings from physical examination or laboratory testing that are not listed above, which, in the opinion of the investigator, may pose additional risks from participation in the study, may interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study requirements or that may impact the quality or interpretation of the data obtained from the study may also exclude a participant from the study.