New drug for food allergies; teen alcohol abuse; ‘zombie cells’ – Morning Medical Update

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Medicine for food allergies

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Xolair (omalizumab) for the reduction of allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and cashews for patients aged 1 year and older. It is the first medication approved to reduce reactions in people with one or more food allergies. Genentech published this news release about it, and Pharmacy Times reports.

Preventing teen alcohol use and abuse

The National Institute of Health’s Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism have joined with online quiz maker Kahoot to create new interactive and informative games for educators and learners. If you have adolescent patients, these may be some resources to direct them and parents – and learn more about these issues yourself.

Aging at the cellular level

What happens as people get older and “zombie cells” within the body release inflammatory and tissue-degrading molecules? Age-related health problems and diseases rooted at the cellular level, according to new studies published in Aging Cell and Nature. The Mayo Clinic’s research magazine Discovery’s Edge also has this summary.