Omalizumab for the treatment of food allergies … and other research

Allergy cure?Food allergies (such as peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, milk, eggs, fish, and shellfish) have been rising in the past few decades, especially in high income countries, and are said to affect 7% of children in the UK and 2% of adults across Europe. Many of those affected have multiple allergies. Apart from scrupulous avoidance of allergens, which is easier said than done, the only approved treatment is oral immunotherapy, omalizumab, for peanut allergy.In this trial of 180 people (177 aged up to 17 years) with allergies to peanuts and at least two other allergens (cashew, milk, egg, walnut, wheat, or hazelnut), subcutaneous omalizumab (every 2-4 weeks for 16-20 weeks) was more effective than placebo in being able to withstand a test dose of the allergen without a significant allergic reaction (67% v 7% for peanuts, 67% v 0 for egg, 41% v 3% for cashew). Apart from more injection…
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