Newswise — Four percent of American children have a food allergy, which can lead to strict dietary avoidance for most due to severe, and sometimes fatal, allergic reactions. However, The New England Journal of Medicine released a study today that shows oral immunotherapy can desensitize 75 percent of children with an egg allergy, shedding light on the future of immunotherapy and allergy treatment.
Allergist Stanley Fineman, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunotherapy (ACAAI) is available to discuss what this study can mean for patients with a food allergy, and if this indicates a viable treatment for food allergies is in sight.
“This is a very important study and is good news for families with children suffering from food allergies,” says Dr. Fineman. “Not only does this study show that a high proportion of children receiving egg oral immunotherapy were able to ingest egg protein even after stopping immunotherapy, but also that there is hope for effective treatments in the future.”
Dr. Fineman can also discuss what the future might hold for immunotherapy aside from food allergies, such as tablet and liquid preparations for common allergens like grass, ragweed pollen and dust mites.
If you are interested in scheduling a time to speak with Dr. Fineman, please contact Christine Westendorf, Media Relations Manager, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 847-427-1200, [email protected]
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