Asthma Drug Shows Promise In Preventing Severe Food Allergies
An asthma medication, Zileuton, could hold the key to preventing severe allergic reactions to food, according to new research from Northwestern Medicine. This study, published in the journal Science, demonstrates that Zileuton nearly eradicates life-threatening allergic responses in mice.
The discovery revolves around a gene known as DPEP1, which plays a crucial role in regulating anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). By inhibiting this gene's pathway using Zileuton, the scientists managed to almost completely prevent allergic reactions in mice that were previously prone to food-induced anaphylaxis. The research team administered peanut extract to the mice after giving them Zileuton and then observed their responses.
Dr. Stephanie Eisenbarth, co-senior study author and director at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, described the results as astounding. "After treatment with Zileuton, 95% of the mice showed almost no symptoms of anaphylaxis," she noted. Dr. Adam Williams, another co-senior author, highlighted the reversal of risk in these mice from being highly susceptible to largely protected.
This breakthrough is the result of extensive research involving a genetic screening process to identify the genes responsible for food allergy susceptibility. The scientists discovered that the DPEP1 gene influences the production of leukotrienes—molecules associated with inflammation, which are also targeted by asthma treatments. Testing Zileuton, which is already FDA-approved to block leukotriene production, proved to be remarkably effective.
Laura Hoyt, the study's first author, referred to Zileuton as a "totally different, out-of-the-box approach" for treating food allergies. With food allergies affecting over 33 million people in the U.S., this simple pill could provide a powerful shield against unexpected allergic reactions, offering peace of mind to many.
Currently, the only FDA-approved treatments for certain food allergies are limited and can themselves trigger reactions or are costly. This new approach has the potential to change that landscape significantly.
In July, the Northwestern team initiated a small clinical trial to assess Zileuton's effectiveness in humans. The findings also suggest a new understanding of why some people, despite testing positive for allergies, do not experience symptoms. This could pave the way for further research into the mechanisms of food allergies.
This research was a collaborative effort with contributions from Yale University and received funding from various sources, including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.