FDA approves a drug to treat severe food allergies, including milk, eggs and nuts
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a groundbreaking new drug called Xolair, developed by Genentech, to treat severe food allergies. This medication is the first of its kind to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple food allergies, including those to milk, eggs, walnuts, and peanuts.
Xolair is designed to be taken repeatedly every few weeks in order to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions over time. However, like any medication, it does come with potential side effects. Common side effects of Xolair include fever and reactions at the injection site, as well as the risk of triggering anaphylaxis.
The cost of Xolair may be a concern for some patients, as it ranges from $2,900 a month for children to $5,000 a month for adults. However, many patients may find that the cost is lower with insurance coverage.
In addition to its recent approval for the treatment of severe food allergies, Xolair is already FDA-approved for the treatment of persistent asthma, chronic hives, and chronic inflammatory sinus disease with nasal polyps. A study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that Xolair was effective in helping some patients tolerate foods they are allergic to. In fact, 68% of peanut allergic patients were able to consume 2.5 peanuts without symptoms after 4 to 5 months of treatment with Xolair.
Overall, there is currently no cure for food allergies, with about 1 in 16 adults in the US affected by food allergies according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The approval of Xolair represents a significant advancement in the treatment of severe food allergies, offering hope to many patients who struggle with these potentially life-threatening conditions.
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