First Drug That Can Reduce Allergic Reaction After Exposure to Food Allergens
According to healthline, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced thatTrusted Sourcean injectable drug called XolairTrusted Source can now be used to prevent allergic reactions after accidental exposure from allergy-triggering foods.
It is the first drug approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of allergic reactions from multiple foods after accidental exposure.
Xolair, which has the generic name omalizumab, came to market in 2003 and has been previously approved to treat asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, hives, and other conditions.
The medication helped 68% of people avoid a severe allergic reaction
In a clinical trial with 168 individuals, 68% of the participants, who received Xolair, were able to tolerate what amounted to 2.5 peanuts worth of allergen without having a significant allergic reaction.
The medication is approved for people over the age of one.
Dr. Daniel S. Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence St John’s, says that this is a significant development for those facing food allergies.
Ganjian likens the medication to “a sponge” that prevents the Immunoglobulin E or IgE protein from reaching its receptor and causing an allergic reaction.
IgE-mediated foods include milk, fish, soy, and tree nuts. The study used to support this new use for Xolair also tested against cashews, milk, and eggs.
“We don’t have to just resign to eventually having to deal with allergies for the rest of our life and being scared for our kids when they go to their friend’s house. [Having to ask,] ‘What’s in the cake? What are they going to eat?’ So, this is a good thing,” Ganjian said.
The medication is designed to help people who are accidentally exposed to an allergen but it does not cure a person of their food allergy.
In other words, Xolair is not intended to take the place of an emergency treatment like epinephrine.
Who should take Xolair?
