This is a good first step
Emerging research indicates that a medication commonly prescribed for asthma and chronic hives could potentially shield individuals with multiple food allergies from severe reactions to various foods like peanuts, eggs, and milk. Dr. Alkis Togias, head of the allergy, asthma, and airway biology branch at NIAID, highlighted initial findings from a clinical trial involving 165 children and adolescents. Those administered Xolair injections showed improved tolerance to specific foods, experiencing fewer allergic reactions compared to those who received placebos.
Dr. Togias emphasized the medication’s benefits, citing its two-decade safety track record and its potential to cover multiple food allergies. Xolair, marketed by Genentech and Novartis, is already established as an asthma treatment. The FDA’s consideration to expedite its approval for safeguarding against accidental food exposure marks a significant advancement.
Despite Xolair’s existing FDA approval for asthma, acquiring prescriptions for food allergies might be challenging due to medical center clearances and insurance coverage issues. While Xolair’s monthly costs for allergic asthma or chronic hives range from $1,323 to $3,663, its potential FDA approval specifically for food allergies could potentially alleviate insurance obstacles, according to Dr. Togias.
Food allergies affect about 2% of adults and 4-8% of children in the U.S., resulting in numerous emergency visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities annually. Dr. Togias underscored the necessity for a large clinical trial to secure FDA approval for Xolair’s usage against multiple food allergies, emphasizing its potential benefit for those allergic to multiple foods.
The clinical trial centered on individuals allergic to peanuts and at least two other common allergenic foods, assessing their tolerance to specific protein doses from peanuts, eggs, milk, and other allergens. The anticipated FDA approval of Xolair for food allergies, eagerly awaited by experts like Dr. Joyce Yu from Columbia University and Dr. Cosby Stone from Vanderbilt University, could simplify medical options and provide relief to affected individuals and their families.
Dr. Stone explained Xolair’s mechanism, highlighting its role in curbing the immune system’s IgE response during allergic reactions. If approved, this medication could significantly benefit children and their families by reducing their sensitivity to common food allergens, as avoiding exposure is challenging, especially for toddlers.
While the FDA has not commented on Xolair’s approval status, the drug’s preliminary trial analysis demonstrated increased tolerance levels among allergic children and adolescents. Dr. Larry Tsai from Genentech, who has personal experience with food allergies, expressed optimism about the trial findings, anticipating their publication in early 2024 and the potential FDA approval by the first quarter of the same year.
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