The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for the medication Xolair, also known as omalizumab, to be used in the treatment of food allergies. Previously used to address asthma, Xolair has now become the first FDA-approved drug designed to reduce allergic reactions triggered by food allergies. The decision was based on a study led by Dr. Robert Wood of Johns Hopkins Children's Center, with support from the National Institutes of Health.

The study involved 168 participants with allergies to peanuts and other foods, showing that 68% of those treated with Xolair could tolerate significant amounts of peanut protein compared to only 6% who received a placebo. Similar positive outcomes were observed for other common allergens like tree nuts, milk, eggs, and wheat. The full study results are expected to be presented at a meeting and published in the near future.

People with food allergies, including children as young as one year old, can now receive Xolair through regular injections every two to four weeks based on their weight and allergenic response. While patients should continue avoiding allergy-causing foods, Xolair enables them to tolerate higher amounts of these foods without experiencing severe reactions.

For years, Xolair has been used off-label to treat food allergies, but gaining full FDA approval marks a significant milestone in its official use. Produced by Swiss companies Novartis and Roche and distributed by Genentech, Xolair functions as a monoclonal antibody that blocks the body's allergic response. Although the drug may lead to side effects like injection site reactions and high body temperatures, it can also cause more severe issues like anaphylaxis.

With an expected monthly cost of about $2,900 for children and $5,000 for adults, Xolair's availability may be affected by health insurance coverage that can mitigate the actual out-of-pocket expenses. The FDA emphasizes that Xolair should be administered under medical supervision due to the risk of severe allergic reactions and should not be used as an emergency treatment for allergies.

The approval of Xolair for food allergies signifies a breakthrough in addressing these potentially life-threatening conditions and offers hope to individuals suffering from food allergies, as reported by JoNel Aleccia for the Associated Press and adapted for VOA Learning English by Anna Matteo.