Omalizumab.
* Omalizumab is a recombinant humanised monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to the C epsilon3 domain of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, the site of high-affinity IgE receptor binding. * Improvements in asthma symptoms and health-related quality-of-life, and a significant reduction in the frequency of asthma exacerbations were seen in allergic asthmatic patients treated with omalizumab. * Omalizumab was also effective in the treatment of children with allergic asthma demonstrating improvements in health-related quality-of-life and significant dosage reductions of inhaled corticosteroids. * Administration of omalizumab to patients with allergic rhinitis resulted in a rapid dose-dependent suppression of serum free IgE levels. * Omalizumab significantly improved health-related quality-of-life and nasal symptoms in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Antihistamine requirements were also significantly reduced following treatment. * Adverse events were infrequent in clinical trials of omalizumab, and not significantly different from placebo. The most frequent drug-related event was mild to moderate urticaria.
Adis International Limited, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
S
S
Easthope
B
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Jarvis
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D000069444:Omalizumab; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D000069444:Omalizumab; D007073:Immunoglobulin E