Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a process that regularly exposes the patient to increasing amounts of the foods they are allergic to, with the goal of desensitizing the body and protecting against anaphylaxis due to accidental exposures. Research over the last two decades supports the safety and efficacy of OIT for patients with single and multiple food allergies.
Xolair (omalizumab) is an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody by Genentech and Novartis that works by inhibiting the allergic reaction process. On February 16, 2024, it was approved by the FDA for the reduction of food allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in people with food allergies. It is also FDA approved for use in children over age 6 with asthma and in children over age 12 with chronic urticaria (hives). At Latitude, we offer Xolair in conjunction with OIT to increase safety for some patients. If our allergist prescribes this medication, our patient care team will work closely with the patient and their insurance plan to understand their coverage and any out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with treatment.
For more background on oral immunotherapy with anti-IgE Xolair (omalizumab), we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
Yes, we treat multiple food allergies at the same time. For more background on oral immunotherapy for multiple foods — with and without the use of anti-IgE Xolair (omalizumab) — we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
At Latitude, our clinics are 100% focused on food allergy. Our board-certified allergists are all specially trained and deeply experienced in food allergy treatment and care. And our unique clinical model provides quick access for your patients to important testing and treatment options, including oral food challenges.
For more background on oral immunotherapy, we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
IgE-mediated food allergies can be treated with oral immunotherapy and multiple allergens can be treated together. Our allergists work with each patient to weigh the benefits and the burden of the treatment for each allergen. Below are results of clinical studies and relevant reviews for treatment of specific food allergens.
Peanut
Wheat
Cow’s Milk
Egg
Tree Nuts (Walnut, Pecan, Cashew, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Almond, Brazil Nut, Macadamia)
Fish & Shellfish
Sesame
Most of the services we provide are covered by insurance. For example, our initial diagnostic visits and follow up office visits are typically covered. If we determine that oral immunotherapy is the right treatment plan for you, office visit costs will be covered by your insurance, but there is a one-time program fee — only applicable to oral immunotherapy patients — that is considered a non-covered service and therefore not billable to insurance. Payment plans are available for the program fee and it is often FSA- or HSA-eligible. If you are considering treatment, please call us for more details.
We look forward to partnering with you on your patient’s care. While there are some underlying medical conditions that may preclude treatment, most patients can be treated with oral immunotherapy. We provide OIT for patients as young as 9 months old and adults. When we discuss the benefits and risks with a patient and their family, we address the following:
Please reach out to our clinical team at (888) 528-1592 if you have a question about a specific patient profile.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction while going through OIT. Our goal is to have a patient progress through treatment at a very slow and safe pace to reduce the risk of reaction and minimize unpleasant side effects.
We have several specific protocols in place to increase safety in the office and at home:
Our data, validated and presented by Weill Cornell Medicine at the 2025 meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), showed that only 5% of doses in over 1,000 OIT patients caused any reaction, and the overwhelming majority were mild, like an itchy mouth or stomachache. From this large sample of real-world patients, reactions during dosing at home were uncommon and did not derail treatment schedules.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction during oral immunotherapy (OIT). But at Latitude, we have specific protocols and supports in place to increase safety in the office for updose appointments and at home for daily dosing. Our data, validated and presented by Weill Cornell Medicine at the 2025 meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), showed that only 5% of doses in over 1,000 OIT patients caused any reaction, and the overwhelming majority were mild, like an itchy mouth or stomachache. From this large sample of real-world patients, reactions during dosing at home were uncommon and did not derail treatment schedules.
For more information about the risks and benefits of OIT, we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
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