FDA Approves Injectable Drug for Treatment of Severe Food Allergies

Based on the results of a promising study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the FDA has
approved the injectable drug omalizumab for treatment of severe food allergies. The drug, which
is also used in the treatment of asthma, was found to increase the threshold of tolerance for
peanuts in 67% of patients in the study. The effect is applicable to other food allergens as well,
but peanuts are notable because they are known to cause severe, life-threatening reactions
called anaphylaxis in many people. While this could be groundbreaking in the treatment of
severe food allergies, it is important to note that many participants had variable reactions to the
drug, with some being unable to tolerate extremely small amounts of peanuts.

To read the full article from John Hopkins Medicine, click here.