FDA approves medication used to treat asthma for use in people with multiple food allergies

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication called Xolair to help reduce the severity of accidental allergic reactions in people with multiple food allergies. Xolair, developed by Genentech and Novartis, was originally approved in 2003 for the treatment of allergic asthma. The medication, given by injection, can help decrease the risk of allergic reactions following exposure to foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and wheat. However, it is not approved for immediate emergency treatment. Xolair does not eliminate food allergies, but it can minimize the health impact of accidental exposure.