Omalizumab (Xolair) Receives FDA Approval for Food Allergies in Young Children

Key Insights

• The FDA has approved omalizumab (Xolair) for treating severe food allergies in children as young as one year old, offering new hope for millions.
• Omalizumab, initially developed for asthma, works by binding to allergy cells and removing them from circulation, reducing the risk of anaphylaxis.
• Clinical studies showed that children who were previously highly allergic to peanuts could tolerate significantly larger amounts after omalizumab treatment.

The FDA has granted approval to omalizumab (Xolair) for the treatment of severe allergies in children aged one year and older. This decision offers a new approach to managing food allergies, which affect approximately four million people in the United States and can lead to life-threatening reactions upon accidental exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Omalizumab, originally developed as an asthma medication, functions by targeting and binding to allergy cells, effectively removing them from circulation. This action reduces the likelihood of anaphylaxis and other severe allergic reactions. Dr. Tina Sindher, an allergist-immunologist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, explained that the drug prevents accidental ingestions and makes life safer for food-allergic children.

Clinical Trial Results

Clinical trials demonstrated that children who were highly sensitive to peanuts could tolerate significantly larger quantities of peanuts after treatment with omalizumab. Specifically, children who initially reacted to less than one-third of a peanut were able to tolerate more than two and a half whole peanuts without experiencing symptoms. Following omalizumab treatment, doctors initiated a second phase involving concurrent oral immunotherapy, gradually introducing small amounts of the allergenic food into the patient's diet.

Patient Impact

For patients like Anabelle Terry, who previously had to worry about accidental exposure to nuts at school and carry an EpiPen at all times, omalizumab offers a chance to live with less fear and greater freedom. "I can live the rest of my life, and I will be a little bit better than I was before," said Terry, highlighting the potential for improved quality of life with the new treatment.

Current Treatment Landscape

Currently, management of food allergies primarily involves strict avoidance of allergenic foods and the use of epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) in case of accidental exposure. Omalizumab represents a significant advancement by providing a proactive approach to reduce the risk of severe reactions and improve tolerance to allergenic foods, especially when used in conjunction with oral immunotherapy.