The advisory committee for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recommending approval of the first drug to treat life-threatening peanut allergies, which can also reduce the chances of children having life-threatening allergic reactions.
According to a press release, the advisory committee of the FDA voted 7-2 “that the efficacy data and 8 to 1 that the safety data, in conjunction with additional safeguards, are adequate to support the use of Palforzia,” a standardized peanut powder product, to help reduce allergic reactions to peanuts for those between the ages 4 to 17 as part of oral immunotherapy protocol. The treatment was developed by Aimmune Therapeutics, which is a pharmaceutical company.
The oral therapy is not a cure though, the drug would still need to be used on a daily basis and for the long haul, as 80% of children with peanut allergy usually stay allergic. It’s reportedly meant to prevent severe reactions to accidental exposure.
There are currently no FDA approved treatments for peanut allergies, leaving people who are allergic to completely avoid peanuts at all costs or treat the reaction after the fact.
Meanwhile, peanut allergies have been increasing in recent years, according to NPR. It’s now estimated that about 2.2% of children in the U.S. are allergic to peanuts.
The FDA reportedly usually follows the recommendations of its advisory committees but for now we wait, a final decision is expected early next year.
