Welcome to our January research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact food allergy treatments, education, and awareness.

This month, we are highlighting research opportunities and news on:

• A research opportunity for caregivers of children with food allergy
• New guidelines for health care providers for treating anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis
• The development of a therapy to prevent allergic reactions
• FDA priority review of XOLAIR® biologic treatment for food allergy
  
  
  
  

Latest Food Allergy News

Anaphylaxis and Atopic Dermatitis

New Guidelines Released for Health Care Providers Treating Anaphylaxis and Atopic Dermatitis
The Allergy Immunology Joint Task Force for Practice Parameters (JTFPP) has released new guidelines for diagnosing and managing anaphylaxis and atopic dermatitis in children and adults. The JTFPP, a collaboration between the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), regularly updates these guidelines to make sure health care providers provide the best evidence-based care to their patients.

For anaphylaxis, the guidelines include updates on when people using epinephrine should go to the emergency room, recommendations on storing epinephrine auto-injectors, and revised criteria for diagnosing anaphylaxis, especially in infants.

Atopic dermatitis guidelines include recommending topical treatments, recommending specific biologics for certain age groups, and advising against certain treatments. These guidelines highlight the importance of patient values and preferences in making optimal recommendations.

Northwestern Researchers Are Developing a Therapy to Prevent Allergic Reactions

Northwestern researchers are developing a therapy to prevent allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, without causing side effects. With this therapy, nanoparticles carrying an allergen protein target the immune cells (mast cells) that cause allergic reactions. When injected into the bloodstream, the antibodies selectively target the mast cells responsible for the allergic reaction without suppressing the entire immune system. A study testing the treatment in mice showed 100% success in preventing allergic reactions without significant side effects. While more research is needed, the study marks the first nano therapy for targeting mast cells that cause allergic reactions.

Food Allergy      

FDA Grants Priority Review to XOLAIR® (omalizumab) for Children and Adults With Food Allergies Based on Positive National Institutes of Health Phase III Study Results
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a priority review for XOLAIR® (omalizumab) for the treatment of allergic reactions. This drug aims to reduce allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, caused by accidental exposure to various foods in people aged 1 year and older with food allergies. Under a priority review, the FDA is expected to decide on approval in early 2024.

The application is based on positive results from a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study involving children and adolescents allergic to peanuts and other common foods. The study also found the safety of the drug to align with XOLAIR's known benefits and risks.

If approved, people using XOLAIR would still need to avoid the foods they are allergic to. XOLAIR would be the first medicine to decrease allergic reactions to multiple foods after accidental exposure.