The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug to treat potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to peanuts. The drug, Palforzia [Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder-dnfp], can be used for children between 4 and 17 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy.
"Peanut allergy affects approximately 1 million children in the U.S. and only 1 out of 5 of these children will outgrow their allergy. Because there is no cure, allergic individuals must strictly avoid exposure to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening reactions," said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "Even with strict avoidance, inadvertent exposures can and do occur. When used in conjunction with peanut avoidance, Palforzia provides an FDA-approved treatment option to help reduce the risk of these allergic reactions in children with peanut allergy."
The new treatment essentially works by exposing children to controlled dosages of peanut protein until they've reached a maintenance level. Those who take Palforzia must continue to avoid peanuts in their diets. However, with Palforzia, the risk of a reaction will be lessened.
Credit: FDA
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