Anti-immunoglobulin E for food allergy.

OBJECTIVE: To review the safety and efficacy of anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) monotherapy or as an adjunct to oral immunotherapy (OIT) in the treatment of IgE-mediated food allergy.

DATA SOURCES: Literature searches were performed using the Excerpta Medica dataBASE, Medline, Scopus, and PubMed Central to identify articles in English related to food allergy and anti-IgE therapies, including omalizumab and ligelizemab.

STUDY SELECTIONS: Original research articles reviewed include interventional studies, retrospective and prospective observational studies, peer-reviewed reviews, and systematic reviews. Data were reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS: Here, we discuss the current anti-IgE therapies being studied as a potential treatment option for food allergy. We also review trial design, safety, and efficacy data on the use of anti-IgE therapies as monotherapy or in combination with OIT for food allergies. Finally, we discuss clinical trials in progress using omalizumab and ligelizumab and highlight important clinical considerations.

CONCLUSION: Over the past 20 years, substantial progress has been made in understanding the potential role of anti-IgE therapies for food allergy. Anti-IgE therapies seem to be a promising option that may increase reaction dose thresholds and decrease time to reach OIT maintenance and OIT dosing-related reactions. Two phase 3 trials are currently in progress studying anti-IgE potential monotherapy for the treatment of peanut and multifood allergies. It is important for clinicians to be aware of these emerging treatment options.