Revolutionary Injectable Drug Ends Dangerous Food Allergies
A recent clinical trial has shown that more than a third of children with food allergies were able to consume full servings of foods that previously triggered allergic reactions after being treated with omalizumab, an injectable asthma medication. In the phase 2 trial, 36% of children who received a year-long treatment with the drug successfully ate full portions of their allergy-causing foods. Comparatively, only 19% of children who underwent a shorter omalizumab treatment followed by oral immunotherapy achieved the same result. Oral immunotherapy involves gradually consuming small amounts of allergens to build tolerance.
The study revealed that children treated with omalizumab retained some level of protection against their food allergies even after stopping the treatment. Omalizumab, which works by deactivating antibodies responsible for allergic reactions, has been used for treating allergic asthma since 2003. Following promising early trial results, the FDA approved the drug for treating food allergies in both adults and children as young as one year old. The trial included 117 children with allergies to peanuts and at least two other common allergens, such as milk, egg, or nuts.
The trial also demonstrated that omalizumab was a safer option than oral immunotherapy, as 88% of the children receiving omalizumab completed the trial, while only 51% of those undergoing oral immunotherapy did. No serious adverse reactions were reported among children treated with omalizumab, whereas over 30% of those receiving oral immunotherapy experienced severe side effects, leading many to drop out of the study.
Preliminary results from the phase 3 trial indicated that children who developed tolerance to allergens through omalizumab therapy adopted various strategies in real-life settings. Some began consuming the allergenic foods, others continued oral immunotherapy, and a few avoided the allergens altogether. Foods like milk, egg, and wheat had higher success rates for reintroduction, while peanuts and tree nuts were more challenging. Though some adverse reactions occurred, many children successfully reintroduced previously allergenic foods into their diets.
Overall, researchers are optimistic about omalizumab’s potential for treating food allergies and reducing the risk of allergic reactions from accidental exposures. The phase 3 trial is still ongoing, but the findings suggest that omalizumab could provide new and safer treatment options for food-allergic individuals. However, the risks associated with the treatment should be carefully considered.
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