STAT

Opinion: Oral immunotherapy can be a game changer for many with food allergies

Oral immunotherapy isn't a miracle cure. It can help individuals with peanut allergies successfully consume one peanut. That might not sound like a lot, but it can make a life-changing…
Source: Patrick Sison/AP

Food allergies upend lives. In children, food allergies can scale back or completely stop participation in birthday parties, organized sports, and summer camps. Parents may need to reduce their work hours and homeschool their children. For adults, grocery shopping or eating out becomes an ordeal. Oral immunotherapy could change that.

Part of the difficulty with food allergies is their sheer unpredictability — a life-threatening allergic reaction can occur at any moment, hidden in what looks to be a “safe” food. For some, this leads to psychological repercussions that include depression and anxiety.

A major problem with food allergies is that there’s currently no cure for them. For the past few decades, all doctors could do

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About A J&J Cough Syrup, A Pfizer And Moderna Patent Suit, And More
A Johnson & Johnson children’s cough syrup found to contain unsafe levels of a toxic industrial solvent was sold in six African countries.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About BIO’s China Challenge, Zepbound Shortages, And More
BIO's about-face in its relationship with WuXi AppTec illustrates the difficulty the biotech industry faces in dealing with an issue that is moving fast and forcefully.
STAT1 min read
Opinion: STAT+: How AI Can Help Satisfy FDA’s Drug, Device Diversity Requirements
To meet the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act, companies must rethink their current clinical trial strategies. Including AI and machine learning approaches can help.

Related Books & Audiobooks