Welcome to our February 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:

• Clinical trial results for epinephrine nasal powder
• FDA approval of EoE treatments
• Baked milk oral immunotherapy (OIT)
• FPIES management

Latest Food Allergy News

Anaphylaxis

Study Shows Promising Results for Epinephrine Nasal Powder Spray
New research shows nasal powder forms of epinephrine are stable and reach blood levels that are similar to what is seen with EpiPens®. In the study, the epinephrine powder quickly absorbed into the blood of the healthy volunteers. Also, within five to 10 minutes, the amount of epinephrine in the bloodstream was similar to that of EpiPen. The powder also remained more stable over time compared to EpiPen. The effects on blood pressure and heart rate were similar between powder epinephrine and EpiPen, although the nasal powder did raise blood pressure slightly more.

The results highlight how nasal powder epinephrine could be a reliable and convenient treatment for allergic reactions in the future as a possible option to current needle-based methods.

EoE

DUPIXENT® FDA Approved as First and Only Treatment Indicated for Children Aged 1 Year and Older with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dupixent® (dupilumab) to treat children aged 1 to 11 years with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), expanding upon its initial approval for EoE in May 2022 for people aged 12 years and older. The approval is based on a study showing that Dupixent helped 66% of children achieve relief from the disease after 16 weeks, compared to only 3% with a placebo. Dupixent's safety in children was similar to what's been observed in adults. Common side effects include injection site reactions, respiratory infections, joint pain, and herpes infections. This approval is significant as it addresses a critical need for young people with EoE and offers hope to children living with the condition.

FDA Approves Takeda’s EOHILIA (Budesonide Oral Suspension), the First and Only Oral Treatment in the U.S. for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Takeda has announced that the FDA has approved EOHILIA, an oral therapy for people aged 11 and older with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EOHILIA is a corticosteroid designed specifically for EoE. It contains a unique budesonide formula that flows easily when shaken and returns to a thicker consistency when swallowed. The FDA approval is based on studies showing that EOHILIA effectively provides relief from EoE and reduces EoE symptoms. Common side effects include respiratory tract infection, headache, and others. EOHILIA offers a new treatment option for people with EoE, providing relief from symptoms and improving their ability to swallow. It will be available in single-dose stick packs by the end of February.             

Baked Milk Oral Immunotherapy Could Be an Effective Treatment for Cow’s Milk Allergy
A new study suggests that baked milk oral immunotherapy (BMOIT) could be a safe and effective treatment for certain children with severe milk allergy. The study compared BMOIT to a placebo in a blinded fashion over a 12-month period in children with milk allergy. After one year, the placebo group received BMOIT while the children who previously had BMOIT continued it for another year. After the two years, most participants were able to eat baked milk without having severe reactions. Also, children who received BMOIT for the full two years showed even better tolerance to unheated milk.

About one in eight participants had symptoms during the second year of the study. Almost all symptoms were mild with no severe reactions. The most common symptoms involved the throat, stomach, and intestines. The results of this study offer hope for children with milk allergies, as there are currently limited treatment options available.

Acid-Suppressive Medicine and Antimicrobial Use in Infancy Associated with Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis
New research looks at the relationship between exposure to different medicines in infancy and the development of allergic disease. The study looked at electronic medical record data from more than 100 million patients. Infants prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antimicrobial medicines were more likely to have a future diagnosis of food allergy, anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, or allergy. In fact, infants prescribed PPIs were five to six times more likely to have a future food allergy diagnosis compared to infants not prescribed PPIs.

Similar trends were seen with H2 blockers and antimicrobials, though the risk was lower. While more research is needed to validate these associations, this study highlights the importance of considering the potential risks of medicines when prescribing them to infants.

FPIES

New Research Looks at the Changing Landscape of FPIES
New research suggests that some children with food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) might be able to safely reintroduce certain foods at home. The study looked at children with FPIES who were seen at an allergy clinic from 2019 to 2022. Among children with FPIES, most of their initial FPIES reactions were considered mild. Around one in eight participants tried reintroduction of their FPIES food triggers. Among those who tried reintroduction, most were done at home rather than through a formal food challenge at a clinic. Most of the reintroductions were successful. The results of this research can help people managing FPIES and doctors better understand the condition, including treatment options.