FDA Approves Xolair as New Protection for Life-Threatening Food Allergies
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New drug Xolair protects against life-threatening reactions to multiple common food allergies like peanuts, eggs, milk when accidentally exposed.
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Xolair was already approved for hives and asthma, but recently FDA expanded approval for certain food allergy patients based on new trial data.
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About 80% of food allergy trial participants could tolerate small amounts of foods they were once allergic to after taking Xolair.
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Xolair works by binding to IgE antibodies to prevent body's severe allergic reaction when exposed to problem foods.
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Costly at up to $5,000 per month, but expected insurance coverage now with FDA approval brings "extra layer of comfort" to food allergy patients.