In San Francisco, California, a newly approved drug is offering hope to people with severe food allergies. Xolair, developed by Genentech, has been given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration to reduce severe allergic reactions caused by accidental exposure to certain foods. This marks the first medication approved by the FDA to protect against multiple food allergies.
Xolair is not intended for use during an allergic reaction, but rather to be taken repeatedly every few weeks to reduce the risk of reactions over time. According to the FDA, individuals taking the drug should continue to avoid the foods they are allergic to. While the drug will not eliminate food allergies or allow patients to freely consume allergens, its repeated use can reduce the health impact if accidental exposure occurs.
The medication does come with some common side effects, including fever and a reaction at the injection site. Additionally, the drug itself can trigger anaphylaxis. Genentech advises that a healthcare provider closely monitors a person starting to use Xolair.
The cost of the medication ranges from $2,900 a month for children to $5,000 a month for adults. However, the cost can be offset through insurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as of 2021, about 1 in 16 adults in the U.S. have a food allergy, with women and Black adults being impacted at higher rates. It is worth noting that there is no current cure for food allergies.
Xolair has already been approved by the FDA to treat persistent asthma, chronic hives, and chronic inflammatory sinus disease with nasal polyps. According to a study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, over time, Xolair has helped some people tolerate foods they are allergic to. For example, in a trial with 168 patients allergic to peanuts and at least two other foods, 68% of those who took Xolair for 4 to 5 months were able to consume about 2.5 peanuts without experiencing symptoms.
The study also found that Xolair was effective for people allergic to eggs, milk, and cashews, with varying success rates. These results were based on small amounts of each food. This new medication offers a glimmer of hope for millions of adults in the U.S. who struggle with severe food allergies.