Summary
Xolair helps mitigate allergic reactions due to accidental exposure
Introduction
Even the most cautious can face the unexpected dangers of food allergies. Despite our best efforts, accidental exposure lurks everywhere. From dining out to navigating social gatherings, the threat of accidental exposure looms large for those with allergies, reminding us that caution alone may not always be enough to keep reactions at bay.
FDA Approval of Xolair: A Milestone in Allergy Treatment
Xolair was greenlit by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday to help reduce severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis brought on by accidental exposure to certain foods. It is considered the first medication approved by the FDA that can help protect people against multiple food allergies.
The medication is not intended for use during an allergic reaction. Instead, it is designed to be taken repeatedly every few weeks to help reduce the risk of reactions over time. The FDA said people taking the drug should continue to avoid foods they are allergic to.
History of Xolair
The FDA has already approved Xolair to treat some cases of persistent asthma triggered by allergies, chronic hives, and chronic inflammatory sinus disease with nasal polyps.
Clinical Trials
Efficacy and Safety of Xolair
The drug is administered by injection every two or four weeks. Over time, Xolair has proven to help some people tolerate foods they are allergic to, according to a study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Key Findings
Xolair’s effectiveness and safety in reducing allergic reactions in people with food allergies were studied in a trial involving 168 participants, both children and adults, allergic to peanuts and at least two other common food allergens. The trial, conducted across multiple centers, was double-blind and placebo-controlled.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Xolair or a placebo for 16 to 20 weeks. The main measure of Xolair’s effectiveness was the percentage of participants who could consume a specific amount of peanut protein without experiencing moderate to severe allergic symptoms at the end of the treatment period. Results showed that 68% of those who received Xolair could tolerate the peanut protein dose, compared to only 6% in the placebo group. This difference was statistically significant and clinically meaningful for individuals with food allergies. However, it’s worth noting that 17% of those treated with Xolair didn’t experience a significant improvement in their tolerance to peanut protein.
Secondary measures of effectiveness included the percentage of participants who could consume a specific amount of cashew, milk, or egg protein without experiencing moderate to severe allergic symptoms. Xolair also demonstrated significant improvement in these measures, with a notable percentage of participants achieving the desired endpoints compared to those on placebo.
Implications and Hope for the Allergy Community
Navigating life with allergies can be a constant challenge, with accidental exposure always a possibility. However, the recent FDA approval of Xolair offers a glimmer of hope for those at risk of severe reactions. While not a replacement for caution and allergen avoidance, Xolair represents a groundbreaking advancement in allergy management. Its potential to reduce the risk of reactions over time provides a new layer of protection for individuals with multiple food allergies.If you suffer from food allergies of any severity, make an appointment with NY Allergy and talk with your doctor about whether Xolair is the right option for you. We can’t always expect accidental exposure, but we can be ready for it.