Omalizumab in the treatment of asthma. (December 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Ricardo; Corren, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Expert review of respiratory medicine. Volume 5:Number 6(2010)
• Page Start: 747
• Page End: 756
• Publication Date: 2011-12
• Subjects: anti-IgE -- asthma -- IgE -- monoclonal antibody -- omalizumab; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1586/ers.11.73
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-6348

Abstract

Omalizumab was introduced in 2003 and is the first asthma drug to target IgE, the allergic antibody that initiates the allergic cascade. Well-controlled studies and post-marketing clinical experience have shown it to be an effective and safe medication. Treatment guidelines now recommend omalizumab as an add-on option for patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma uncontrolled on high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ββ-agonists. Despite initial concerns, there is no evidence of any association with malignancy at this time. In our opinion, omalizumab is well-tolerated and significantly improves pulmonary function, decreases clinical symptoms and improves the quality of life in patients with uncontrolled allergic asthma.