Efficacy and safety of biological therapies for children and adults with
IgE-mediated food allergy: systematic review
Abstract
Background Biological therapies relieve symptoms in allergic and
inflammatory diseases so may also benefit people with IgE-mediated food
allergy. We systematically reviewed the highest quality published
evidence to inform forthcoming GA 2LEN guidelines.
Methods We searched six bibliographic databases from 1946 to 30
September 2021 for randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical
trials and quasi-randomised trials about biological monotherapy in
people with IgE-mediated food allergy confirmed by oral food challenge.
We found 3 trials with 118 participants. We used the GRADE approach. We
summarised the findings narratively because studies were too
heterogeneous to conduct meta-analysis. Results We included one
randomised trial about etokimab, one about omalizumab and one about the
discontinued TNX-901. All were in people with peanut allergy in the USA,
mostly aged 13+ years. There were trends towards improved tolerance of
peanut during treatment, with no increase in adverse events compared to
placebo. However, we have very low certainty about the evidence. No
trial reported on quality of life or cost-effectiveness. Conclusions Our
review of the highest quality research found that there is not yet
enough certainty of evidence to support offering etokimab or omalizumab
widely for food allergy. Clinicians may consider the merits for
individuals, but large randomised trials with standardised measures need
to confirm the safety and efficacy and the most suitable candidates,
doses and durations of treatment.