Patient Preferences for Food Allergy Treatments: Efficacy Tops the List
Washington, D.C. – August 20, 2025 – A new study published online today indicates that individuals in the United States with food allergies overwhelmingly prioritize treatment effectiveness when selecting a therapy. Safety and convenience – including oral management and at-home dosing – also significantly influence patient choices, according to research from Broadstreet Health Economics & Outcomes Research.
Key Findings of the study
The research, a discrete choice experiment involving adolescents and caregivers, revealed that a 95% reduction in the risk of moderate-to-severe allergic reactions was the most valued attribute of a potential treatment. Participants consistently favored oral medications over injections and preferred administering treatments at home rather than in a clinical setting. Less frequent dosing schedules – every two or four weeks – were also highly desirable compared to daily regimens.
“Treatment efficacy was the most highly ranked treatment feature, followed by risk of gastrointestinal symptoms and method of treatment administration,” explained Alexis T. Mickle, MSc, director at Broadstreet Health Economics & Outcomes Research, and lead investigator of the study. “notably, individuals with prior experience using oral immunotherapy expressed less concern about dosing frequency.”
Currently, FDA-approved treatments for food allergies include peanut allergen powder-Dnfp (an oral immunotherapy), sublingual immunotherapy, omalizumab (a biologic), and epinephrine for anaphylaxis. These options vary in administration, potential side effects, frequency, and required post-treatment precautions.
Study Methodology
The study, conducted between May and June 2024, included 73 adolescents aged 13 to 17 and 228 caregivers of children under 12 diagnosed with food allergies. The sample population was 55% male,52% White,and predominantly from urban or suburban areas. Participants evaluated hypothetical treatments with varying attributes, allowing researchers to assess preferences without directly asking about specific features.
Researchers collected data on demographics,the Intolerance of Uncertainty-12 Scale (IUS-12),and the Food Allergy Autonomous Measure (FAIM). Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between treatment attributes and patient preferences.
Did You Know? Approximately 8% of children in the United States have a food allergy, according to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).
Impact of Prior Treatment Experience
The study highlighted a significant difference in preferences based on prior treatment experience. Individuals who had previously used oral immunotherapy (OIT) were less concerned about the frequency of dosing, potentially because they were already accustomed to the regimen. This suggests that managing expectations and providing support during initial treatment phases could be crucial for improving patient adherence.
Preference for Safety and Reduced Side Effects
Participants demonstrated a strong aversion to treatments with increased risks of gastrointestinal symptoms or anaphylaxis. A 10% increase in the risk of gastrointestinal issues resulted in a 4% decrease in treatment preference,while a 5% increase in anaphylaxis risk led to a 6% decrease.This underscores the importance of minimizing potential adverse effects in the advancement of new food allergy therapies.
Pro Tip: Discuss potential side effects and management strategies with your healthcare provider before starting any new food allergy treatment.
Caregiver vs. Adolescent Preferences
The study also revealed that caregivers exhibited a stronger preference for efficacious treatments compared to adolescents. Researchers speculate this difference might potentially be due to parents having a greater level of concern for their children’s well-being. Additionally, caregivers of children with less severe allergies placed a higher value on treatment efficacy, potentially due to less experience managing severe reactions.
| Attribute | Preferred Option | Impact on Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 95% reduction in allergic reactions | OR 1.61 (95% CI 1.49-1.75) |
| Administration | Oral | Significantly preferred over subcutaneous (P < .001) |
| Location | At-home | Preferred over clinical setting (P <.05) |
| Frequency | Every 2-4 weeks | Preferred over daily (P < .001) |
What factors are most vital to you when considering a food allergy treatment? How do you weigh the benefits against potential risks?
References
- Mickle AT, Warren CM, Seetasith A, et al. Patient preferences for food allergy treatments in the United States: a discrete choice experiment. Curr Med res Opin. Published online August 18, 2025. doi:10.1080/03007995.2025.2544596
- Food Allergy Treatment & Management. Allergy & Asthma Network. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/food-allergies/food-allergy-treatment-and-management/. Accessed August 20, 2025.
Food allergies are a growing public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. While there is currently no cure, ongoing research is focused on developing more effective and convenient treatments. The increasing prevalence of food allergies is highly likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including changes in diet and exposure to microbes in early childhood. Understanding patient preferences is crucial for ensuring that new therapies are both effective and acceptable to those who need them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Allergy Treatments
- What is the most important factor patients consider when choosing a food allergy treatment? Treatment efficacy, or how well the treatment reduces allergic reactions, is the most highly ranked attribute.
- Do patients prefer oral or injectable food allergy treatments? Patients overwhelmingly prefer oral administration over subcutaneous injections.
- Is dosing frequency a significant concern for patients? Yes, less frequent dosing schedules (every 2-4 weeks) are preferred over daily administration.
- How does prior experience with oral immunotherapy affect treatment preferences? Individuals with prior OIT experience are less concerned about dosing frequency.
- Are caregivers’ preferences different from those of adolescents? Caregivers tend to prioritize treatment efficacy more strongly than adolescents.
This research provides valuable insights into the factors that drive patient decision-making regarding food allergy treatments. By understanding these preferences, healthcare providers and researchers can work together to develop therapies that are not only effective but also meet the needs and expectations of those living with food allergies.
