7 Allergy Headlines You Missed in January 2026

January brought several noteworthy updates in allergy research, pediatric care, and immunotherapy. From US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approvals to innovative approaches in oral immunotherapy (OIT), the month highlighted advances that could meaningfully improve patient safety and quality of life.

Key developments include an oral HAE therapy for children, faster-acting intranasal epinephrine, and promising heat-processed allergens for safer peanut and egg OIT. Clinicians also gained new insights into multi-nut tolerance, sesame allergy testing, and long-term epinephrine safety.

This roundup captures 7 standout allergy headlines from January 2026, offering a concise look at the latest research, regulatory updates, and expert perspectives shaping clinical practice.

FDA Approves Another HAE Treatment

FDA Approves Oral Berotralstat for Pediatric HAE, With Jolanta Bernatoniene, PhD

The FDA approved berotralstat (ORLADEYO; BioCryst) oral pellets for long-term prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in children aged 2–11 years. Supported by APeX-P trial data, the once-daily oral therapy reduces injection burden. Investigator Jolanta Bernatoniene, PhD, of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, highlighted improved pediatric and caregiver experience.

Phase 2 Anaphylaxis Data

Phase 2 Data Show NS002 Intranasal Epinephrine Acts Faster Than EpiPen

Interim phase 2 data show NS002 intranasal epinephrine (Nasus Pharma) achieved faster absorption and greater early exposure than EpiPen in healthy adults. In the study, 91% reached therapeutic plasma levels within 5 minutes, compared with 67% with autoinjectors. Michael Blaiss, MD, said the needle-free option could improve time-critical care for anaphylaxis.

Additional Expert Perspectives on Autoclaved Peanuts, Low Dose OIT

Autoclaved Peanuts Reduce IgE Binding, Improve Tolerability, With Casey Cohen, PhD

New data show autoclaved peanuts—treated with heat, pressure, and moisture—significantly reduce IgE binding and skin test reactivity while improving oral tolerability in peanut-allergic patients. Casey Cohen, PhD, of McGill University, highlighted that this process fragments major allergens, potentially creating safer substrates for peanut immunotherapy, offering a promising advance over traditional roasted or boiled peanut preparations.

Very Low-Dose OIT Safely Increases Multi-Nut Tolerance in Young Children

Related: VLOIT Boosts Multi-Nut Tolerance in Children, With Julia E. M. Upton, MD, MPH

An open-label study led by Julia E. M. Upton, MD, MPH, at The Hospital for Sick Children shows very low–dose oral immunotherapy (VLOIT) safely increases multi-nut tolerance in children. Most participants achieved ≥5-fold higher doses, up to 1000 mg per nut, with no serious adverse events. Immunologic improvements and reduced skin test reactivity suggest VLOIT may offer practical, safe protection from accidental exposures.

Sesame OFC Forms, Hidden Epinephrine Risks, Heat-Treated Eggs for Safer OIT

Tahini May Be the Preferred Form for Pediatric Sesame Oral Food Challenges

A study led by Aimee Huynh, MBBS, at Sydney Children’s Hospital found tahini-based pediatric sesame oral food challenges (OFCs) produce lower reaction thresholds and greater anaphylaxis rates than whole seeds. Results suggest tahini or crushed sesame better reflects true allergy risk, while whole seeds may yield falsely elevated tolerance, guiding safer and more accurate assessment in children with sesame allergy.

Heat-Denatured Egg Allergens May Offer Safer Oral Immunotherapy

Heat-denatured egg allergens may offer a safer approach for OIT in egg-allergic patients, according to Marta Paolucci, PhD, from the University of Zurich. The study showed reduced IgE binding and blunted basophil activation for Gal d 1 and Gal d 2, supporting lower allergenic potency. Heat-treated eggs could enable safer, stepwise OIT and improved tolerance in pediatric patients.

20 Years of FDA Data Reveal Previously Unrecognized Epinephrine Risks

A 20-year FDA post-marketing analysis of 9262 epinephrine reports reveals previously unrecognized risks, including myocardial stunning, mitral valve motion abnormalities, harlequin syndrome, and injection-site nerve damage. Investigator Binglin Yan noted common issues like injection-site reactions and perceived drug ineffectiveness, highlighting a broader real-world safety profile. Findings inform clinicians and guide future research on epinephrine’s rare adverse events.