The Food and Drug Administration has approved Xolair to help decrease severe allergic reactions triggered by specific foods. Xolair, a drug primarily used for asthma treatment, has been utilized by over 330,000 patients aged six and above since May 2023 to alleviate symptoms. The approval of Xolair marks a significant milestone as it is the first medication designed to reduce allergic reactions from accidental food exposure, including anaphylaxis.

Prior to the official approval, Xolair had been employed off-label for food allergies since at least 2014. A study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health revealed that individuals treated with Xolair were substantially more likely to tolerate small amounts of foods they were allergic to, with 68% of patients showing improved tolerance towards peanuts.

It is important to note that Xolair differs from the emergency treatment provided by an EpiPen, as it is aimed at reducing allergic reactions over time instead of handling immediate emergencies. Patients as young as one can receive injections every two to four weeks, based on their weight and individual response to allergens. It is crucial for patients to continue avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions, as Xolair is not approved for emergency use. Eventually, the treatment can be administered at home.

The United States recognizes nine major food allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame, which account for 90% of allergic reactions. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, passed by Congress twenty years ago, identified eight of these allergens. Sesame was the most recent allergen addition in 2021, with the Food Allergy, Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act coming into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

Food allergies remain a prevalent health concern in the US, with an estimated 33 million Americans affected – equating to one in 10 adults and one in 13 children. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, anaphylaxis stemming from food allergies leads to approximately 30,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 150 deaths each year.