What to know about the peanut allergy debate

Next week, the FDA will summon a panel of experts to consider a deceptively simple question: Should the agency approve Aimmune Therapeutics’ treatment for peanut allergy?

As always, the details get devilish. As STAT’s Adam Feuersteinexplains, Aimmune’s treatment comes with some significant safety concerns, and it’s unclear just who would be the ideal patient for such a therapy. And then there’s the big question: Considering that the drug can’t prevent 100% of allergic reactions, is taking Aimmune’s drug any better than practicing total peanut avoidance?

For a cheat sheet ahead of next week’s meeting, read more here.