National Geographic recently highlighted 7 Medical Breakthroughs that Changed Medicine in 2024, featuring research from the UNC School of Medicine on the FDA-approved drug, omalizumab. This drug is used to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to peanuts and other foods. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was contributed to by Edwin Kim, MD, Corinne Keet, MD, PhD, and Mike Kulis, PhD.
Dr. Kim, chief of the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and director of the UNC Food Allergy Initiative, emphasized the significant impact of food allergies, particularly on young school-age children. He stated, "To now be able to tell these folks that while it might not be a cure, there is a treatment you can take, something you can do for yourself or your kid, that can protect them in case they are exposed to the food is incredible."
The OUtMATCH clinical trial results revealed that a 16-to-20-week course of omalizumab significantly increased the amount of peanut, tree nuts (cashew, hazelnut, and walnut), egg, milk, and wheat that multi-food allergic children as young as one-year could consume without a moderate or severe allergic reaction. Nearly 67% of participants who completed the treatment could consume a single dose of 600 milligrams (mg) or more of peanut protein, compared to less than 7% of participants who received a placebo.
This breakthrough represents a significant step forward in the fight against food allergies, offering a new level of protection and reducing the fear associated with accidental exposure to allergens. Dr. Kim's ongoing research aims to further understand the strength and consistency of this protection and how it compares to other treatments like oral immunotherapy, providing patients with valuable information to choose the best treatment for their situation.
