​Principal Investigator: Dr. Abigail Lang

Disease: Food Allergies

Research Description: Food allergies affect both adults and children, with an estimated 8-10% of children impacted. Currently, the standard of care is strict avoidance of the trigger food and treatment with epinephrine injection in the case of severe life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Fear and constant vigilance often severely impact quality of life for patients and families. The two FDA-approved medications to treat food allergies and minimize risk of severe reactions require regular dosing, are expensive and may cause serious side effects. An alternative is needed to mitigate the risk of food allergy reactions while minimizing side effects and burden of the treatment itself. The research team is adding a pediatric arm to an ongoing open label, Phase II adult trial to determine if zileuton, an oral drug approved for asthma, can decrease absorption of food allergens. If successful in blocking food allergen absorption, zileuton could prevent severe food allergy reactions from occurring and prevent anaphylaxis.

Funding Partners: The Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust and others

Initial CWR Funding Role: Supplemental