Food allergies, a common and potentially life-threatening condition, could soon be more manageable, thanks to a promising new treatment. Researchers have discovered that an existing medication may significantly reduce allergic reactions, offering hope to millions affected by these allergies.
Food allergies affect a significant portion of the population, with up to 80% of children and 10% of adults experiencing at least one food allergy. Among these individuals, 86% are allergic to multiple foods, making everyday eating a constant source of anxiety.
For those with severe food allergies, an EpiPen is often the first line of defense against a sudden reaction. Now, a new approach could go further by preventing these reactions altogether.
Ellie Rubinfeld, a 14-year-old with severe food allergies, knows all too well the vigilance required to stay safe. “I can’t have eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame,” Ellie shared. Her journey with allergies began in infancy when a simple taste of formula triggered a full-body rash.
“You’re warned all the time, ‘Don’t eat this, don’t eat that.’ It’s for your own good, it’s for your safety,” Ellie explained.
Ellie was among the first to try a groundbreaking treatment under the direction of Dr. Robert Wood, the Director of the Eudowood Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. The clinical trial focused on omalizumab, a drug already approved by the FDA for asthma and other allergic conditions.
Dr. Wood’s research revealed that omalizumab could also limit allergic reactions in individuals with multiple food allergies. “This, thankfully, is non-specific. It blocks all foods equally,” Dr. Wood explained.
The treatment involves bi-weekly or monthly injections. Remarkably, nearly 70% of participants were able to tolerate two and a half peanuts, and many could handle up to 15 peanuts after receiving the treatment. While these quantities might seem small, they represent a significant increase in safety for those who could otherwise experience severe, even fatal, reactions from a tiny sliver of peanut.
“She came out of that study with a changed life,” Dr. Wood said about Ellie. “She was able to tolerate the foods that she went into the study allergic to.”
Ellie’s experience reflects the potential of this treatment to transform lives. “I’d want to eat an omelet. I have a lot of friends who like omelets, and I’d like to try one,” she said, expressing hope for a future where she can enjoy foods without fear.
The study found that omalizumab was effective not only for peanuts but also for milk, eggs, wheat, cashews, walnuts, and hazelnuts. Its safety profile is particularly notable, as it can be administered to children as young as one year old.
Currently, the only other FDA-approved treatment for food allergies is an oral immunotherapy for peanut allergies, available only for children aged four to 17. The introduction of omalizumab as a broader, more versatile option could mark a significant advancement in the fight against food allergies.
As research continues, patients and families affected by food allergies remain hopeful that one day, these life-altering conditions may be a thing of the past.