FDA approves first drug for treatment of peanut allergy in children

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug to treat life-threatening peanut allergies in children.

The new drug – AR101, or Palforzia — does not provide a cure for allergy sufferers, but it helps increase their tolerance to small quantities of peanuts and decrease the risk of a reaction to accidental exposure, according to USA Today.

Palforzia, which was approved for use in patients aged between 4 and 17, comes in the form of a powder that is sprinkled on food. It will will carry a list price of $890 per month.

“Peanut allergy affects approximately 1 million children in the US, and only 1 out of 5 of these children will outgrow their allergy,” said Peter Marks, head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

“Because there is no cure, allergic individuals must strictly avoid exposure to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening reactions,” he added.

Palforzia uses oral immunotherapy, with children given tiny but increasing amounts of peanut protein over six months under medical supervision, the BBC reported. They must then continue taking a daily dose to be able to tolerate accidental exposure.

The makers warn that the risk of a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction remains and patients must continue to avoid peanuts, the most common food allergen in the US, in their diet.

“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,” Marks said.

More than 2.5 percent of all US children are allergic to peanuts, according to The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Peanut allergy is most commonly associated with anaphylaxis, a sudden and potentially deadly condition that requires immediate medical attention.

For those allergic, exposure to peanuts can result in cramping, indigestion, hives, swelling and even fainting or dizziness.

“It’s been a life-changer,” said Nina Nichols, 18, of Washington, who ended up in a hospital when she ate a peanut butter cracker as a toddler and entered a Palforzia research study as a teen, according to USA Today.

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