Patient Perceptions Regarding Omalizumab For Food Allergy Treatment

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2-10-2026

Publication Title

J Allergy Clin Immunol

Keywords

biological marker, immunoglobulin E, omalizumab, adult, aged, anaphylaxis, anxiety, asthma, comorbidity, conference abstract, drug therapy, fear, female, food allergy, human, hypersensitivity, immunologist, male, perception, restaurant, skin test, therapy, urticaria

Abstract

Rationale: Omalizumab has been approved for over 1 year for treatment of food allergies. With this therapeutic option, current patient perceptions of food allergy challenges, preferences and management are currently unknown. Methods: Adults age ≥ 18 years with a history of food allergy (confirmed with IgE or skin testing) and under the care of an allergist-immunologist were eligible. Three focus groups with four to five participants were held. Questions regarding food allergy and the potential role of omalizumab were asked. Results: 14 subjects participated, including 4 on omalizumab therapy. Several themes were identified. Participants stressed the challenges of eating at restaurants or potlucks where cross-contamination may occur, or ingredients were unknown. The ability to eat at social gatherings without fear of allergic reaction was a universal motivation to seek additional treatment options, as was a reduction in reaction severity. Omalizumab route of administration was not a major deterrent for therapy. Participants with multiple indications for omalizumab had greater interest in omalizumab compared to those with only food allergy. However, most participants were hesitant about omalizumab therapy due to the inability to validate efficacy without a food challenge. Unwillingness to conduct food challenges primarily stemmed from anxiety regarding possible anaphylaxis. Conclusions: Anxiety in social settings/restaurants and decreased reaction severity appear to be major motivating factors for omalizumab use. Allergic comorbidities, such as asthma or urticaria, increase the likelihood that a patient would use omalizumab. Inability to guarantee success and lack of reliable biomarkers are reasons patients may not choose this therapy.

Volume

157

Issue

2

First Page

AB155

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