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Researchers conducting a study of anti-IgE therapy in patients with peanut allergy have announced that the drug, known as TNX-901, significantly boosts patient sensitivity from half a peanut to almost 9 peanuts. This increased threshold, according to doctors, would likely protect against most allergic reactions due to unintended ingestion of peanut.
The incidence of peanut allergy, a life-threatening disorder that affects approximately 1.5 million Americans, has been on the rise in recent years. Allergic reactions to peanut cause between 50 to 100 deaths annually in the U.S. But the success of the clinical trials of TNX-901, which was discussed at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Denver, CO promises to ease the fears of those with a life-threatening peanut allergy, who must be vigilant about reading labels, and asking about the ingredients in food prepared by others.
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), an advocacy group that promotes awareness, education and research on food allergies, believes the research will lead to a better quality of life for all those affected by peanut allergy.
"Constant stress and fear of accidentally eating or coming into contact with peanuts comes with the territory of living day to day with this disorder," according to Anne Munoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of FAAN. "The added threshold buffer provided by the drug will give a peace of mind that children and adults with peanut allergy have never known before," she said.
Legal Dispute Halts Study
Unfortunately, this promising clinical study has been halted due to a legal dispute between pharmaceutical companies jointly developing anti-IgE technology. This may bring a halt to further progress on TNX-901, which had already received fast track status from the FDA and was about to enter Phase 3 trials.
Patients participating in the clinical testing have been told they will receive the drug only until July 1, 2003, unless Tanox, Genentech and Norvartis can reach an agreement.
A FAAN Press Release |
