And the (Peanuts) Crowd Goes Wild!

With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.

And the peanut crowd goes wild. On February 16, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xolair (omalizumab) to be used for reducing allergic reactions to multiple foods after accidental exposure including, of interest here in the southeast – peanuts!

“The National Peanut Board is proud to have supported research that improved the understanding of this treatment for peanut and other food allergies,” said National Peanut Board President and CEO Ryan Lepicier. “Since 2001, America’s peanut farmers have been committed to being part of the solution for peanut allergies. This FDA approval provides another option for food allergic individuals and their families to improve their quality of life with less fear of life-threatening reactions.”

At the food challenge stage of the trial, 67% of the subjects who received Xolair were able to tolerate eating a 600 mg dose of peanut protein (approximately 4 peanuts) without moderate to severe side effects compared to placebo (7%), with decreasing effectiveness at higher doses

While it’s exciting news, they emphasize that this treatment may not be for everyone.