WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug to treat potentially deadly food allergies, marking a significant milestone in allergy treatment.
The newly approved drug, Xolair, is an injection that is now available for adults and children 1 year and older. It is designed to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions to various foods, serving as a safety measure for accidental exposures rather than immediate emergency treatment.
In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that almost 6% of people in the U.S. had a food allergy, with exposure to certain allergenic foods potentially leading to life-threatening reactions. Xolair, classified among drugs known as monoclonal antibodies, works by binding to immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers allergic reactions, effectively blocking the body from doing so.
The approval of Xolair has been celebrated by advocates for those living with serious food allergies. Erin Malawer, founder and executive director of the national nonprofit AllergyStrong, expressed optimism about the new treatment option, recognizing the significance of having more options to manage the disease and minimize potentially deadly reactions.
This marks a significant advancement in the field, as there is currently no cure for food allergies, and patients must typically avoid foods that may cause an allergic reaction. While oral immunotherapy can help build resistance to a specific food, the FDA notes that Xolair is the first approved medication to reduce allergic reactions to multiple types of food after accidental exposure, including allergies to milk, egg, wheat, or nuts.
The drug’s success in recent clinical trials among children and adults allergic to peanut and at least two other foods has led to its approval as a means to reduce the health impact of accidental exposure. It comes with a range of dosage options and may have some side effects, including injection site reactions, fever, and various warning and precautions for other potential symptoms.
Despite its potential benefits, there are considerations to keep in mind, such as the need for ongoing treatment and the potential financial burden of the medication. The price for Xolair can be high, but efforts are being made to ensure that it is accessible and affordable to all who may benefit from it, particularly low-income patients.
Overall, the approval of Xolair brings hope for those living with food allergies, offering a new avenue for managing and minimizing the impact of these potentially life-threatening conditions.