How Omalizumab Works Animation

In people with food allergies, monoclonal antibodies can help reduce the risk or severity of an allergic reaction if accidentally exposed to an allergen.

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Once a person eats or comes in contact with an allergen, the immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These proteins typically protect the body from harmful foreign substances, like parasites.

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IgE reacts with cells responsible for triggering allergic reactions. The cells release histamine and other chemicals that can cause serious and life-threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, throat tightening, wheezing, or hives.

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Monoclonal antibodies work in various ways to disrupt this process, including reducing the levels of IgE in the blood, blocking its activation, or preventing it from binding to immune cells. This lowers the risk of an allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis.

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Keep in mind, monoclonal antibodies are not a cure for food allergies. Your child should still avoid foods they are allergic to and carry at least two epinephrine auto-injectors or an epinephrine nasal spray in case of an emergency.