For those of us frequently on pa.com, this is not really current news about Tanox, but I thought I'd post from their site under "FAQs":
Are you still developing TNX-901 for peanut allergy?
Following an unfavorable arbitration ruling in October 2002, we halted our independent development of TNX-901. Any further development of this drug will be done in collaboration with Novartis and Genentech.
Have Tanox, Novartis and Genentech made any decision as to whether Xolair or TNX-901 will be developed for peanut allergy?
The three companies are planning to develop Xolair for peanut allergy. Enrollment for the peanut allergy study should start late in the second quarter of 2004.
Is there a high prevalence of Peanut Allergy?
According to a recently published survey, peanut allergy affects about 1.5 million people in the United States. Of which, 500 thousand have moderate to severe symptoms. Patients with severe peanut allergy suffer gastrointestinal, skin and respiratory symptoms, and some may also suffer potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis in response to ingesting peanuts.
How is peanut allergy currently treated?
The best "treatment" is simply avoiding peanuts and their derivatives, which are used in preparing many food products. Accidental exposure can result in serious allergic reactions and sometimes death.
It's hard not to get discouraged.
