FDA experts to debate peanut allergy therapy

An FDA advisory panel is holding a meeting today to discuss the safety and efficacy of Aimmune’s peanut allergen powder, which is designed to prevent anaphylaxis in children with peanut allergies. In clinical trials, the powder has shown great efficacy, although questions still remain about the associated risks. Most people in the trials reported mild to moderate allergic reactions, but the trial was only conducted over a one-year period, and the long-term effects of relying on the powder are unclear. At the same time, new research published yesterday suggests that people may need to take the powder for an extended amount of time to continue to see its protective effects. If the committee of FDA experts votes today to recommend the powder’s approval, it would be the first product to treat a peanut allergy on the market.