Omalizumab: where does it fit into current asthma management?
Omalizumab (Xolair), a monoclonal antibody, is a new agent that blocks the allergic cascade at its primary step. This drug offers substantial promise for patients with moderate-to-severe, persistent allergic asthma that is not well controlled. But due to the cost of the drug, limitations on dosage, and available clinical trial data, it is not a first-line therapy. This review discusses how this drug works, which patients will be candidates for it, and the practical aspects of using it.
Rambasek
Todd E
TE
Section of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Lang
David M
DM
Kavuru
Mani S
MS
D000465:Algorithms; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000187:drug effects*; D000069444:Omalizumab; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000069444:Omalizumab; D007073:Immunoglobulin E