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3w ago

Asthma Drug Zileuton Prevents Food-Allergy Anaphylaxis in Mice as Human Trial Begins

Researchers are testing whether Zileuton’s inhibition of gut leukotrienes, which nearly eliminated anaphylaxis in mice, can protect people with food allergies

© Amad10 via Shutterstock
Image
Woman pouring peanuts in measuring bowl.
Peanuts, along with shellfish and cow's milk, are among the most common foods that 1 in 10 people in the US are allergic to

Overview

  • A multi-year genetic screen at Northwestern pinpointed the DPEP1 gene and a linked leukotriene pathway in the gut as key regulators of food-allergy anaphylaxis
  • In preclinical studies published August 7 in Science, a single dose of Zileuton blocked leukotriene production and protected 95% of allergic mice from life-threatening reactions
  • By targeting allergen absorption rather than the immune response itself, the approach represents a mechanism-based intervention against accidental exposures
  • A small early-stage clinical trial launched in July is now evaluating whether Zileuton can replicate its protective effect in people with food allergies
  • If human results mirror the mouse data, repurposing this FDA-approved asthma drug could shift food-allergy management from reactive treatment to proactive prevention