Injectable Antibody Shows Promise for Food Allergies

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “Omalizumab for the Treatment of Multiple Food Allergies,” suggests an FDA-approved injectable antibody called Omalizumab may offer protection from accidental exposure to certain food allergens.

Dealing with the hidden dangers in foods

• Nearly 5.5 million children have food allergies, many with allergies to more than one food.
• Accidental exposure, even in small amounts, can trigger severe, life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.

Until recently, oral immunotherapy, which involves daily consumption of increasing doses of trigger foods, has been the primary treatment. 

How well did Omalizumab work?

In the study, 177 children and adolescents allergic to peanuts and at least two other foods, received either Omalizumab or a placebo for 16 to 20 weeks. At the end of the trial period, they consumed a dose of peanut protein and other study foods and were observed for symptoms.

Here were the findings:

• Nearly 67% of the study participants who received Omalizumab could eat 2 ½ peanuts without experiencing any allergic symptoms, compared with 7% of those who received the placebo.
• Similar tolerance to other study foods was seen in the participants who received Omalizumab.

What questions still need to be answered?

• Does Omalizumab work for other foods?
• Is it effective in more diverse populations than the mostly white participants in this study?
• How well does it handle larger amounts of trigger food consumption?

What does this research mean for food allergy sufferers?

Omalizumab treatment brings us closer to managing accidental exposures for those with multiple food allergies. It’s a significant step towards a future free from food allergy fears.

Citation:

Wood, R. A., et al. (2024). Omalizumab for the Treatment of Multiple Food Allergies. The New England journal of medicine, 390(10), 889–899. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2312382