Discover our advocacy efforts in foodservice. Learn about the latest research on food allergy treatments for peanut, and advancements in the FDA approvals of epinephrine devices. Plus, find out about a Canadian study that highlights why it’s important to use epinephrine promptly. Be sure to check out our mythbuster on antihistamines and asthma medications for treating anaphylaxis.
Advocacy in action: Making food allergy a priority with foodservice
Over the last two months, we attended two main conferences in the foodservice industry, engaging with hundreds of restaurant operators and industry experts across the country on the importance of allergen management processes. We shared our research report, Recipe for Success, and our Think Food Allergy resources with this audience to help build food allergy awareness with their staff.
We also participated in a panel discussion to discuss how food safety and allergen management practices are critical to ensure the health and well-being of impacted individuals.
As a part of our outreach to foodservice, we also had an article in the February/March issue of Food Safety Magazine: Building Loyalty Through Safety: Enhancing Allergen Management Programs as a Strategic Business Opportunity. This article highlights how businesses have an opportunity to convert a safety necessity into a strategic advantage, fostering consumer loyalty and driving business innovation and growth to better protect individuals impacted by food allergy.
Learn more
Building Loyalty Through Safety: Enhancing Allergen Management Programs as a Strategic Business Opportunity
Think Food Allergy resources provide foodservice operators with the tools needed to create safer, more inclusive environments in their establishments.
Research: The Viaskin® Peanut Patch moves closer to U.S. approval and launch.
DBV Technologies is developing the Viaskin® Peanut patch to help treat peanut allergy in young children. They recently announced that they have new funding which follows encouraging news that DBV and the FDA are aligned on what safety data is needed to move forward with the next steps toward approval for children aged 4 to 7. This could speed up the timeline for submitting the patch for FDA review.
We will continue to follow the latest in food allergy treatments and advocate on your behalf to have options for Canadians.
Research: Updates on the emerging options in the treatment of anaphylaxis: under-the-tongue film and nasal spray
There have been new developments in the emerging options for treating anaphylaxis. Please see below for an update.
Anaphylm™, an under-the-tongue epinephrine film, has been submitted to the U.S. FDA for approval.
Aquestive Therapeutics completed its clinical studies for Anaphylm™, a sublingual epinephrine film for children aged 7–17, and submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. FDA.
“We are extremely pleased with the positive results from our pediatric study, which further validate Anaphylm’s potential as the first-ever sublingual film and convenient treatment option for all patients with severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis,” said Daniel Barber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aquestive. “We continue to prepare for commercial readiness and plan to launch Anaphylm in the first quarter of 2026, if approved by the FDA.” Read more.
U.S. FDA approves epinephrine nasal spray for children aged as young as 4 years
ARS Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved neffy® 1 mg epinephrine nasal spray for treating anaphylaxis, in children aged 4 and older. Read more.
As new treatments for anaphylaxis become available, we will continue to advocate powerfully and persistently to ensure Canadians have access to all forms of epinephrine delivery—because choice and accessibility matter.
Research: Canadian study finds children who receive the EpiPen® after an allergic reaction are less likely to go to the ICU
Results from a recent study from the Montreal Children’s Hospital illustrate the importance of using epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis before going to the hospital.
“There is an urgent need for enhanced education and training for patients, parents and emergency medical services professionals to ensure that epinephrine is administered promptly,” emphasizes Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan, senior author of the study, Scientist in the Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, and paediatric allergy and immunology specialist at the MCH.
The first line treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Use it promptly for the best outcomes. Scroll down for resources on recognizing and treating anaphylaxis.
Learn more
Mythbuster: Can antihistamines and asthma medications be used instead of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis?
FACT: Antihistamines and asthma medications should not be used instead of epinephrine to treat anaphylaxis.
While these drugs will do no harm when given as additional or secondary medication, they have NOT been proven to stop an anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine is the only drug that can reverse symptoms of anaphylaxis and is considered life-saving medication. Canadian allergists advise that an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen®) is the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis and should be used before asthma inhalers, antihistamines, or any other medications. The main benefit of antihistamines is in treating hives or skin symptoms.
Bottom line: Use your epinephrine auto-injector to treat anaphylaxis, and don’t delay.
