FDA approves Roche, Novartis' Xolair to prevent severe outcomes from common food allergies

People with food allergies finally have a medicine that can help prevent severe outcomes—and it’s a drug that’s been on the market for two decades.

The FDA has blessed Roche and Novartis’ Xolair (omalizumab) as the first medicine to reduce allergic reactions that can occur with accidental exposure to certain foods. The drug is approved for people ages 1 year and older with certain allergies.