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Food Allergy Treatment Approved: A Breakthrough in Managing Food Allergies
A recent study published in 2021 by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology revealed that approximately 4.6 million adults in the United States are affected by peanut allergies.
Patrick Sison/AP
Milk, eggs, walnuts, and peanuts are not just items on a shopping list; they represent common food allergies that may soon be more manageable with a newly approved drug.
Xolair, developed by Genentech, recently received approval from the Food and Drug Administration to help mitigate severe allergic reactions triggered by accidental exposure to specific foods. This groundbreaking medication is the first of its kind sanctioned by the FDA to provide protection against multiple food allergies.
Unlike traditional allergy treatments, Xolair is not meant for immediate use during an allergic reaction. Instead, it is designed for regular administration every few weeks to gradually reduce the risk of reactions over time. Patients using Xolair are advised to continue avoiding foods they are allergic to.
Kelly Stone, from the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, emphasized that while Xolair does not eliminate food allergies or grant individuals the freedom to consume allergenic foods without consequences, its consistent use can significantly lessen the health impact of accidental exposures.
Common side effects of Xolair include fever and reactions at the injection site. It is important to note that the medication itself can potentially trigger anaphylaxis. Genentech recommends close monitoring by a healthcare professional for individuals initiating Xolair treatment.
The cost of Xolair ranges from $2,900 per month for children to $5,000 per month for adults, although insurance coverage may help reduce these expenses, as reported by the Associated Press.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2021, approximately 1 in 16 adults in the U.S. suffer from food allergies, with higher prevalence rates among women and Black adults. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for food allergies.
Xolair, in addition to its recent approval for food allergies, has previously been authorized by the FDA for treating persistent asthma triggered by allergies, chronic hives, and chronic inflammatory sinus disease with nasal polyps.
Administered via injection every two to four weeks, Xolair has demonstrated the ability to help individuals gradually build tolerance to allergenic foods over time, as supported by a study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
In a clinical trial involving 168 patients allergic to peanuts and other foods, the FDA reported that 68% of participants who received Xolair for 4 to 5 months could consume approximately 2.5 peanuts without experiencing adverse symptoms like hives, coughing, or vomiting.
The study further indicated that after 4 to 5 months of treatment, Xolair was effective in 67% of individuals allergic to eggs, 66% of those allergic to milk, and 42% of those allergic to cashews. These findings were based on small controlled portions of each food item, such as a quarter of an egg, two tablespoons of 1% milk, and 3.5 cashews, as outlined by Genentech.
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