Omalizumab: overview of pharmacology and efficacy in asthma.
BACKGROUND
Omalizumab is a monoclonal, humanized antibody specific for the region of IgE that binds to the high affinity IgE receptor on basophils and mast cells. Subcutaneous administration of omalizumab reduces the serum IgE concentration within hours and reduces the number of high affinity IgE receptors expressed on basophils and mast cells over 8 - 12. weeks.


METHODS
A literature search of PubMed was performed using terms omalizumab or monoclonal and asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Asthma exacerbations are reduced by 19 - 75% with omalizumab therapy added to inhaled corticosteroid therapy, with or without long acting beta agonists and leukotriene modifiers. Approximately 60% of treated subjects show a response and 12 - 16 weeks are generally needed to evaluate response. Omalizumab is cost-effective if high-risk responders are treated. Side effects include 0.2% frequency of systemic reactions to the injections and 2% of subjects with local injection reactions, which do not usually require treatment.
Ledford
Dennis Keith
DK
University of South Florida College of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, VAR 111D, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. dledford@health.usf.edu
D000328:Adult; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D000069444:Omalizumab
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000069444:Omalizumab