New biologics for food allergy

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2024 Jun 1;24(3):147-152. doi: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000981. Epub 2024 Mar 28.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review aims to explore role of emerging biologics, including ligelizumab, UB-221, dupilumab, and antialarmins, in food allergy management. With a focus on recent developments, we evaluate their promise in mitigating adverse events during oral immunotherapy (OIT), reducing allergic reactions, and addressing the limitations of current therapeutic options.

Recent findings: Antiimmunoglobulin E mAbs, exemplified by omalizumab, demonstrate efficacy in desensitization and safety improvement during multiallergen OIT. Next-generation antibodies like ligelizumab and UB-221 exhibit enhanced potency and unique mechanisms, holding promise for food allergy treatment. Dupilumab, targeting IL-4 receptor alpha, presents potential benefits in decreasing allergen-specific IgE and modifying the atopic march. Exploration of antialarmins, specifically anti-IL-33 (etokimab) and anti-TSLP (tezepelumab), reveals encouraging results, with etokimab showing early success in peanut allergy trials.

Summary: Biologics hold promising potential for food allergy treatment. Tailoring therapeutic approaches based on shared decision-making becomes pivotal. While omalizumab remains a significant option, next-generation anti-IgE antibodies and agents targeting alarmins exhibit unique strengths. Dupilumab, despite limited success as monotherapy, shows promise as an adjunct for OIT. Careful consideration of treatment goals, patient preferences, and the evolving landscape of biologics will shape future clinical practice, offering allergists an expanded toolbox for personalized food allergy management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products* / adverse effects
  • Biological Products* / therapeutic use
  • Desensitization, Immunologic / methods
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / drug therapy
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / immunology
  • Food Hypersensitivity* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Omalizumab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Allergens
  • Omalizumab