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Omalizumab Shows Promise in Treating Childhood Food Allergies
A 10-year study shows the monoclonal antibody Omalizumab significantly improves food tolerance in children with food allergies, offering a potential new treatment avenue.
Italian
Italy
HealthLifestyleImmunotherapyMedical TreatmentPediatricsFood AllergiesClinical Research
Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalFda
Stefania ArasiAlessandro Fiocchi
- How does Omalizumab work to alleviate food allergy symptoms?
- The drug works by binding to free IgE antibodies, preventing allergic reactions. It's not a cure and requires regular injections, but it significantly raises the threshold for allergic reactions.
- How long did the study on Omalizumab's effects on food allergies last?
- A 10-year study at Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Italy found that over 60% of children with severe asthma treated with Omalizumab could tolerate unrestricted diets within 12 months.
- What is the main finding of the study on Omalizumab and food allergies in children?
- Omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody, has shown promise in helping children with food allergies tolerate previously problematic foods.
- What are some limitations or considerations regarding the use of Omalizumab for food allergies?
- While effective for many, Omalizumab is not a universal solution. It's costly, requires a doctor's assessment for eligibility, and its effectiveness is tied to continued use.
- What were some of the key quantitative results of the study regarding increased tolerance thresholds?
- The study showed that Omalizumab increased reaction thresholds by 250 times for milk and hazelnuts, 170 times for eggs, and 55 times for peanuts. Anaphylactic reactions dropped dramatically after treatment.