The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to decide on two new peanut allergy therapies in the next 6 months. These emerging medications are expected shift how patients with this condition are treated.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology estimates approximately 2.2% of children and adolescents have a peanut allergy. Allergic reactions from peanuts can range from mild dermatological issues, such as rashes, to severe life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis. It is recommended that patients with severe reaction carry an epinephrine product, such as EpiPen®, at all times.
Currently, the the first line option for patients with peanut allergy is food avoidance, which can be difficult for children. Unfortunately, there are currently no FDA approved treatments for patients with this condition. However, this is expected to change with the arrival of these new therapies.
Currently, neither company has released the price of these medications, but the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) believes that the products will cost between $6,500 and $8,700 per year. This could result in a significant financial impact on the pharmacy benefit.