Recent findings presented at the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress highlight the effectiveness of dupilumab in reducing specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels linked to certain food allergies. This medication targets type 2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, which are central to type 2 inflammation. Studies indicate a significant reduction in IgE levels over 12 and 24 months among treated patients. Additionally, some participants demonstrated increased tolerance to foods they were previously allergic to.
Prior research published in 2023 corroborated these findings, showing that dupilumab significantly decreases food-specific IgE compared to controls. The retrospective study involved analyzing changes in IgE levels for various foods, such as peanuts, eggs, milk, and nuts. Results revealed a notable decrease in IgE levels among those receiving dupilumab, suggesting its potential role in treating IgE-mediated food allergies. However, further studies are necessary to confirm efficacy and assess long-term safety.
Dupilumab operates by inhibiting the signaling pathways of IL-4 and IL-13, two key drivers of type 2 inflammation. Although initially approved for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atopic dermatitis, its mechanism may also be effective against IgE-mediated food allergies. Research indicates that this biologic agent can reduce IgE levels for several foods, including peanuts, eggs, and milk, providing hope for individuals with comorbid food allergies.
By targeting the underlying inflammatory processes, dupilumab disrupts the pathway responsible for triggering allergic reactions. The 2023 study found statistically significant reductions in IgE levels for multiple foods, with particularly promising results for peanuts, eggs, milk, and various nuts. These findings suggest that dupilumab not only reduces IgE but also enhances tolerance to previously allergenic foods. The observed median monthly decline in peanut IgE levels among dupilumab users highlights its potential as an innovative therapeutic option. However, more comprehensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand its impact on food allergies.
Emerging clinical data support the notion that dupilumab could revolutionize the treatment of food allergies. At both 12 and 24 months post-treatment, participants experienced substantial reductions in IgE levels, with percentages reaching up to 73.5%. Furthermore, individuals who successfully passed food challenges showed even greater reductions in IgE levels, underscoring the drug's potential to improve tolerance over time.
The most recent study enrolled patients with existing food allergy diagnoses and measured their IgE levels before and after dupilumab initiation. Over an extended period, researchers observed consistent declines in IgE across different allergens, with particularly strong results noted at 12 and 24 months. Among those who tolerated previously allergenic foods, the reduction in IgE was especially pronounced, averaging around 81.8% at the 24-month mark. While these outcomes are encouraging, ongoing research is essential to verify the findings and explore the long-term implications of dupilumab use in managing food allergies. Such investigations will help determine whether dupilumab can become a standard treatment option for this challenging condition.