CHOP Doctors Available to Speak About New FDA Approved Treatment for Peanut Allergies

Newswise — Philadelphia, February 3, 2020 – The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval Palforzia^TM, a first-of-its-kind treatment for peanut allergies. Over the course of the past decade, researchers with the Allergy Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) were pivotal in conducting the research behind this breakthrough drug. 

Dr. Jonathan Spergel, MD, PhD, Section Chief of CHOP’s Food Allergy Center, and Terri Brown-Whitehorn, Co-Director of the Food Allergy Frontier Program at CHOP, are available to discuss how this drug works, the research that went into its development, and how it can change the world of food allergies. 

In clinical trials, Dr. Spergel and his team found that they were able to get 60 to 70 percent of patients to tolerate the maintenance dose – equal to one peanut – with reduced incidence and severity of reactions. Patients who work their way up to the maintenance dose are not only able to tolerate a small amount of peanut protein – they also say they have more confidence and can live without constant fear of accidental exposure. 

Possible questions

• How does Palforzia^TM work to decrease food allergy symptoms?
• Which patients would benefit from Palforzia^TM?
• What is the success rate?
• What makes this treatment different from the current standard-of-care?
• What is the long-term benefit of the drug?
• What other therapies are on the horizon?
• Will there be treatments for other food allergies?

To schedule an interview, please contact Camillia Travia of CHOP’S Public Relations team at [email protected] or call 267-426-6251.

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About Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 564-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu