Breakthrough FDA Approval: New Medication Offers Hope for Severe Food Allergy Treatment, Covering Milk, Eggs, and Nuts

Listing milk, eggs, walnuts, and peanuts is not just a grocery list, but rather a selection of food allergies that may become more manageable with a recently approved medication.

Xolair, created by Genentech, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration on Friday to aid in decreasing severe allergic reactions caused by accidental exposure to specific foods. This is the first medication approved by the FDA to provide protection against multiple food allergies.

This medication should not be used during an allergic reaction. It is meant to be taken regularly every few weeks to gradually decrease the chances of reactions in the long run. The FDA advised individuals on the medication to keep steering clear of any foods that trigger allergies.

“Although it won’t completely get rid of food allergies or enable patients to freely eat food allergens, using it regularly will lessen the health consequences in case of accidental exposure,” mentioned Kelly Stone from the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Two of the most frequent side effects are fever and a response at the injection site. It is important to note that the drug may also cause anaphylaxis. It is recommended by Genentech that a healthcare provider closely monitors an individual who is beginning to use Xolair.

Xolair: Promising FDA-Approved Medication for Food Allergies, With Potential Cost Relief

 

According to the Associated Press, the medication costs $2,900 a month for children and $5,000 a month for adults, but insurance could lower the cost.

In 2021, approximately 1 in 16 adults in the United States have a food allergy, with women and Black adults being affected at higher rates, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for food allergies.

Xolair has been approved by the FDA to address certain cases of persistent asthma triggered by allergies, chronic hives, and chronic inflammatory sinus disease with nasal polyps.

The medication is given through an injection every two to four weeks. Over time, Xolair has been shown to assist certain individuals in tolerating foods they are allergic to, as per a study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

During a study involving 168 patients with peanut allergies and sensitivities to other foods, it was found that 68% of those who used Xolair for 4 to 5 months could eat around 2.5 peanuts without experiencing symptoms such as hives, coughing, or vomiting, as reported by the FDA.

The research revealed that Xolair showed effectiveness within 4 to 5 months for 67% of individuals allergic to eggs, 66% of individuals allergic to milk, and 42% of individuals allergic to cashews.
According to Genentech, the results were derived from small portions of each food: a quarter of an egg, two tablespoons of 1% milk, and 3.5 cashews.