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FDA Approves Xolair for Alpha-Gal Syndrome in 2024
The injectable drug reduces severe reactions in people with the tick-triggered meat allergy. Roughly 450,000 Americans are estimated to have the condition.
Jun 13, 10:43 AM·1m read3 sources
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The Food and Drug Administration approved the injectable drug Xolair for alpha-gal syndrome in 2024. The approval marks the first drug cleared specifically for the condition. Xolair was first approved more than 20 years ago for hard-to-control asthma.
It reduces the release of biological chemicals that cause inflammation and allergic reactions. Alpha-gal syndrome is a life-threatening allergy to meat triggered by tick bites.
U.S. Source of the condition. Alpha-gal is a type of sugar found in the meat of most mammals but not in humans or other primates. It is also found in the saliva of certain ticks. Ticks can introduce alpha-gal directly into the bloodstream through bites.
Development of alpha-gal antibodies can take weeks or months after a tick bite. Symptoms include hives, diarrhea, and itchiness after eating meat or dairy. The allergy does not impact consumption of seafood or poultry.
Chicken, turkey, and eggs are safe for people with the condition. Alpha-gal syndrome is not caused by a bacteria or a virus.
U.S. It has been reported in the Great Lakes region and as far north as Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Roughly 450,000 Americans are estimated to have developed alpha-gal syndrome according to a 2023 CDC study. Doctors diagnose the condition using blood tests that detect alpha-gal antibodies, patient symptoms, and reported bug bites.
The FDA approved meat from GalSafe pigs, genetically modified to not produce alpha-gal, for consumption in 2020. Meat from these pigs is available from Amaroo Hills. Dr. Scott Commins has observed the allergy fade in about 15% to 20% of his patients after several years.
For years, the standard treatment involved avoiding foods from cows, pigs, and lambs while carrying an epinephrine injector. Commins said the skin is a fantastic way to make an allergic response. He noted that certain biologic drugs interfere with allergic signaling and could potentially interfere with the allergic response process if given quickly after a tick bite.
