Allergy drug may reduce severe reactions to red meat in alpha-gal patients

NBC News reported that a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology meeting found the allergy drug omalizumab may reduce severe allergic reactions in people with alpha-gal syndrome.

Alpha-gal syndrome is a red meat allergy caused by bites from the lone star tick, which transmits a sugar molecule called alpha gal that can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

The study included 64 participants with confirmed alpha-gal diagnoses who took omalizumab for an average of 23 months, with 95% experiencing meaningful reductions in reaction frequency or severity.

Reactions to alpha-gal can range from hives and stomach pain to life-threatening anaphylaxis, leading doctors to typically recommend avoiding red meat and related products.

The study's findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and further research is likely needed to confirm the drug's efficacy for this allergy.