Top in allergy/asthma: FDA approves peanut oral immunotherapy; WIC food packages proposal

The FDA has approved Palforzia, an oral immunotherapy designed to protect children aged 1 to 3 years with peanut allergies from reactions caused by accidental exposure, according to a press release.

The approval came after a phase 3 study found 68.4% of toddlers tolerated at least 1,000 mg of peanut protein after 12 months of daily treatment with Palforzia (Peanut [Arachis hypogaea] Allergen Powder-dnfp, Aimmune Therapeutics). The drug has been approved for patients aged 4 to 17 years since January 2020.

“We are delighted that Palforzia has received regulatory approval in the U.S. for toddlers, as there is a high unmet need for this age group,” Elena Rizova, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Stallergenes Greer, said in a press release.

It was the top story in allergy/asthma last week.

Another top story was about a proposed amendment from the House Appropriations Committee that would necessitate products with peanuts as part of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), in hopes of reducing the rate of peanut allergies among children.

Read these and more top stories in allergy/asthma below:

FDA approves peanut oral immunotherapy for toddlers

The FDA has approved Palforzia for children aged 1 to 3 years who have a peanut allergy that has been diagnosed by a physician, according to a press release from its manufacturer, Stallergenes Greer. Read more.

House Appropriations Committee amendment requires peanuts in WIC food packages

The House Appropriations Committee adopted an amendment that would require the inclusion of peanut-containing products into the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Read more.

Poor control common among patients with rhinitis

Most patients with rhinitis have suboptimal control of the disease, with errors in nasal spray use and poor adherence to intranasal glucocorticoid treatment, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Read more.

Asthma associated with increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease

The incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease was positively associated with an increased risk for asthma, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Read more.

Adrenal steroid levels during infancy associated with asthma at age 5 years

Higher levels of urinary adrenal steroid metabolites during infancy were associated with lower odds for asthma at age 5 years, according to a study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Read more.