Oral immunotherapy, often called OIT, isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or endorsed by any professional organization of allergists. Some of the country’s leading allergists say that, despite promising evidence, more research and regulatory approval are needed before the process should be recommended as a treatment for food allergies. Studies have shown about 80% to 85% of patients who undergo oral immunotherapy are successfully desensitized to their allergen. But questions remain about its long-term effectiveness, and there are concerns some patients could have adverse reactions, these allergists say.
The therapy is a frequent topic of debate at medical conferences and in academic journals.