Until recently, Canadians with food allergy had no treatment options.
Now, treatments exist that can desensitize a person to their allergen, meaning they can tolerate more of the allergen and reduce the risk of severe reactions. While there are various ways to deliver treatment, oral immunotherapy (OIT) is the primary option in Canada.
OIT gives Canadians the choice to manage the condition in a way that works for them. It’s recommended in Canadian guidelines as a treatment option that should be available to those seeking it. Many people undergoing treatment or have completed treatment report a high level of satisfaction with OIT. New research also shows that starting OIT early in life can change the course of the disease.
Additionally, in the US, people can also use omalizumab, a biologic medication that reduces the risk of reactions, but it is not approved in Canada. Despite these significant treatment advances, Canadians continue to face considerable barriers to access.
We are advocating for access to affordable treatments that can improve the safety and quality of life for Canadians of all ages. Addressing these challenges is critical to ensuring that every Canadian can get the care they need to live safely and confidently.
OIT offers Canadians with an alternative in the management of their food allergy and has been shown to improve quality of life.
Yet, many still face significant access barriers, limiting their choices and ability to benefit from treatment options.
Here are some staggering facts:
- Access to OIT is very challenging across the country
- Public coverage for current treatment options varies significantly across the country
- There is a lack of treatment options for impacted adults
