4. Therapy for mitigation of peanut allergies
Emergency epinephrine has reduced the severity and risk of accidental exposure to peanut allergic reactions. However, the innovation has not done enough to provide ease of mind to 2.5% of parents who worry their child might not be able to breathe due to an allergic reaction.
New oral immunotherapy medication has been developed that could allow children to gradually build a tolerance to peanut exposure to protect against allergic reactions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Food allergies have doubled in the last decade,” said Dr. Sandra Hong, a staff member in the allergy and clinical immunology department at the Cleveland Clinic. “Treatment at this point has been complete avoidance.”
The drug is a purified protein with an exact amount, said Hong. On the first day of dosage, a patient receives multiple doses and they stay a 5-6 hours after dosage for monitoring. The dosage is increased every two weeks and continues on for six months. The person then stays on the drug indefinitely.
However, Hong said the drug is not for everyone. If they’re non-compliant, it’s not for them. They can’t exercise within two hours of taking the drug and there is a risk of anaphylaxis.