A promising new allergy patch called "Viaskin" that's allowed patients with peanut allergies to eat peanuts again has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Viaskin releases peanut protein into the skin and is used for the treatment of peanut allergies. Made by the French firm DBV Technologies SA headquartered in Bagneux, France, Viaskin administers allergens or antigens to intact skin while avoiding any transfer to the blood.

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The Viaskin Peanut treatment helps patients' tolerability of peanuts and thus lowers the risk of a systemic, allergic reaction in the event of accidental exposure to the allergen.

Researchers said Viaskin gradually familiarizes the skin cells to peanuts. They noted results have been promising, with no serious side effects apart from some slight discomfort.

The study involving 221 patients in a new peanut allergy therapy trial going on for a year found the patch allowed participants to have a higher tolerance for peanuts. Fifty percent of patients could eat up to four peanuts by the end of the year.

"The big advantage with this patch is the safety and convenience," said Dr. Hugh Sampson at Mount Sinai in New York. "With the patch we see local reactions but no systemic reactions."

About three million Americans are allergic to nuts, with most of them allergic to peanuts. According to recent studies, food allergies (mainly peanut) are responsible for 150 to 200 deaths every year in the United States and more than 125,000 emergency room visits.

Peanut allergies have lifelong effects and are associated with psychological traumas, including fear of eating, anxiety and antisocial behavior.

Experts said allergy to peanuts seems to be on the rise and its prevalence has increased over the past 10 years. A recent survey in the U.S. indicated that one percent of the U.S. population, or more than three million people, are allergic to peanuts or nuts, said a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

DBV Technologies focuses on milk and peanut allergies and pediatric allergy for which there are currently no effective treatments. In September 2014, DBV Technologies announced its VIPES (Viaskin Peanut Efficacy and Safety) clinical trial of Viaskin Peanut received topline results in peanut allergy desensitization.