FDA Approves First Drug To Treat Food Allergies: Here's What You Need To Know

Xolair is still not approved for the immediate emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. People with allergic reactions must continue to avoid the foods that cause them reactions. (Credit: Image by Freepik)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xolair, a medication initially designed for asthma, to be used in the treatment of food allergies to prevent severe reactions. The approval extends to patients as young as one-year-old.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, around 8% of children in the United States have a food allergy. Food allergies can manifest in the form of symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, exposure to allergenic foods can result in potentially life-threatening reactions, commonly referred to as anaphylaxis.