Imagine having to avoid your favorite coffee shop because even the smell of steamed milk could trigger a serious allergic reaction. This was the case for one of Ruchi Gupta’s patients, but that changed when they began treatment with omalizumab (Xolair). This medication, the first biologic therapy of its kind, is designed to treat multiple food allergies. Now, that patient can walk into the café without fear.
Dr. Gupta, a professor at Northwestern University, emphasizes that omalizumab isn’t a cure. However, it helps many patients feel more secure in their daily lives. “It’s increasing their thresholds,” she shared. “This is especially important for our most allergic patients.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved omalizumab in February 2024, inspiring further exploration into treatments for multiple food allergies. By 2025, researchers focused on oral immunotherapy (OIT) and potential comparisons with omalizumab, highlighting an exciting time for allergy treatments.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies have increased by 50% since the 1990s, affecting around 33 million people in the U.S. Experts believe this rise may be linked to factors such as increased hygiene, shifting diets, and earlier advice to delay introducing allergens to children. A pivotal study known as LEAP proved that introducing peanuts early could significantly lower allergy risks. Data from 2025 showed that since the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines to encourage earlier allergen exposure, peanut allergy rates have dropped by 27%.
Despite this progress, many kids avoid common allergens. A 2024 report found that around 40% of children with food allergies react to more than one food. These allergies can heavily influence daily life—fear of reactions and visible symptoms often hinder social interactions.
The Future of Allergy Treatments
Interest is growing in multi-allergen oral immunotherapy, particularly a candidate known as ADP101. Dr. Gupta expressed excitement over its potential, indicating that over 50% of patients could potentially develop tolerance. However, in a recent study, ADP101 did not achieve its primary goal. Dr. Edwin Kim, involved in the research, remarked that conducting such trials is complex due to the variables involved with multiple allergens. He believes larger studies might yield better insights.
The trial did reveal positive outcomes, with 55% of high-dose participants tolerating a significant allergen exposure. Researchers found that the thresholds for various foods seemed quite consistent, suggesting broad applicability beyond just one type of allergy.
Experts like Dr. Hugh Windom, an allergist in Florida, have long understood the importance of treating multiple food allergies together, pointing to over a century of administering multi-allergen shots in allergy clinics. “If it works for one food, it should work for many,” he noted.
The emerging field of sublingual immunotherapy also shows promise. Commonly used for airborne allergens in Europe, this method is now being adapted for food allergies in the U.S. Doctors are using real food substances, like peanut flour, under the tongue to help manage allergies more affordably and safely.
Despite this, questions remain. How do we determine cross-protection between different allergens? Researchers are still working hard to answer these queries, hoping to minimize the number of allergens needing treatment.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Gupta shared the possibility that a sublingual form of epinephrine may soon be available. This could greatly enhance how allergic reactions are treated. “With all the new therapies and prevention strategies, we might see a significant decrease in food allergies,” she remarked.
The conversation around food allergies is evolving. As research continues, there’s hope for a future where families can eat together without worry.
For more information on food allergies and recent developments, you can visit reputable sources like Food Allergy Research & Education.
