First Drug For The Treatment of Peanut Butter Allergy In Children Gets A Green Signal

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a thumbs up to the first-ever treatment for peanut butter allergy in children. The new drug is called AR101 or Palforzia, which increases children’s tolerance level to the small quantity of peanuts. It also lowers down the risk of side effects of accidental exposure. However, it does not treat the allergy caused by the food item. Palforzia has been approved for the children between the age group of 4 to 17 years. It is available in the powder form, which can be sprinkled on the food. It will be sold for $890 per month. Peanut butter can be life threatening in children at times.

As per the officials of the FDA, peanut allergy affects nearly 1 million children in the US. However, the allergy outgrows in only one out of five kids. Peter Marks the Head of FDA’s Biologics Evolution and Research has said that there is no cure for such allergies. People who are allergic to peanuts should avoid exposure; else, it can result in severe and life-threatening reactions. The new drug Palforzia works on immunotherapy. Children are given a small but increasing amount of peanut protein for six months under medical supervision during the treatment. They are advised to take a daily dose of the medicine to be able to stand accidental exposure.

The agency has said that there is a risk of a fatal anaphylactic reaction that is still the same so patients should avoid consuming peanuts. Peanuts are common food allergen in the United States. Dr. Peter Marks said that when Palforzia is used along with peanut avoidance, the drug becomes an FDA approved treatment for preventing the risk of these allergic reactions in kids who are allergic to it. According to the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, more than 2.5 percent of all children are allergic to peanuts in the United States. Peanut allergy is linked with Anaphylaxis, which is potentially a deadly condition. People with such conditions require immediate medical attention. Hive, cramping, indigestion, swelling, dizziness, and even fainting are common symptoms of peanut allergy.