Xolair may help kids with allergies safely eat foods like peanut butter.Photo:Getty Images; Genentech USA, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Getty Images; Genentech USA, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
An existing injectable drug that’s used to treat asthma and chronic hives may provide preventative protection for children with severe food allergies — and potentially make it possible for them to eat peanuts, eggs, and other foods that commonly cause reactions.
The study followed 165 children, ages 1 to 17, and three adults, ages 18 to 55 years, who were all allergic to peanuts and at least two other foods.
“Study participants who received Omalizumab injections could consume higher doses of peanut, egg, milk and cashew without allergic reactions than participants who received placebo injections,” the study said.
Xolair injectable medication.Genentech USA, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Genentech USA, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
According tothe CDC, nearly 6% of U.S. adults and children have a food allergy. People of color are more likely to be affected,per a studyreleased this past June.
An allergic reaction is when the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance.FARE, an advocacy organization for people with food allergies, states that more than170 foodshave been reported to cause allergic reactions.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to food can range from an itchy mouth to anaphylaxis, which, according to theMayo Clinic, is a “severe, life-threatening allergic reaction” where the body goes into shock, and the airways narrow in response.
According to FARE, about 200,000 people seek emergency medical care due to food allergies every year.
A preventative medication such as Xolair could save lives—especially since takeout and prepackaged foods have caused fatal reactions in people who unknowingly consume food containing an ingredient such as nuts.
Oneteen with food allergies diedwithin an hour and a half after eating a cookie that contained peanut butter chips. Another man died aftereating a take-out tacothat was made with peanut butter.
An EpiPen can save lives during an allergic reaction.Getty Images
Getty Images
People with food allergies often carry an EpiPen or similar device to provide a lifesaving dose of epinephrine—a chemical that opens up the airways during an allergic reaction.
Dr. Larry Tsai, global head of respiratory, allergy and infectious disease product development at Genentech, which manufactures Xolair, suffers from food allergies and has a child with food allergies, as well.
He toldNBC in an email, “I know firsthand how challenging it is to cope with this condition and to live in continued fear of an accidental exposure.”
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source: people.com
