GENENTECH STOPS ALLERGY DRUG TRIAL

Genentech has stopped a clinical trial of a peanut-allergy treatment over safety concerns about some reactions to the drug. A Phase II trial involving asthma drug Xolair was stopped because of hypersensitivity reactions. These adverse reactions were reported in two cases.

Genentech, which is testing Xolair as a treatment for peanut allergy, will discuss alternative plans for the trial with the FDA.