On Friday, January 31st the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first drug for treatment of peanut allergy for children. Palforzia is indicated for children with peanut allergy to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanuts. It is a powder that is manufactured from peanuts and packaged in color-coded capsules for Dose Escalation and Up Dosing. It will be prescribed and administered by specialized medical professionals. Palforzia cannot be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions and those who take Palforzia must continue to avoid peanuts in their diets.
“My partners and I are excited to have Palforzia available as a potential therapeutic option for our patients with peanut allergy, said Stanley Fineman, MD, allergist with Atlanta Allergy & Asthma. The Atlanta Allergy Research Department participated in the clinical trial which helped collect data for the FDA, so we are very familiar with its use. Although Palforzia is efficacious at reducing the risk for anaphylaxis to peanut there is a significant risk of untoward reactions when children receive this treatment, so they need to be carefully monitored.”
Although not a cure, Palforzia is a significant step forward in the treatment of peanut allergy and in providing families with life-threatening food allergies an extra layer of protection. We expect the therapy to be available in the next several months.
If you have questions as to whether this therapy might be appropriate for your child, contact your Atlanta Allergy physician.