[Omralizumab (Xolair) in severe persistent allergic asthma].
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airways disease. The inflammatory process is in many patients driven by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent process. Patients with severe asthma are at high risk of serious exacerbations and death and have few therapeutic options available. Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that acts by binding to and inhibiting the effects of IgE, thereby interfering with one aspect of the asthma cascade. In addition to decreasing exacerbations, it has a steroid sparing role and many beneficial effects in asthma. As suggested by the new asthma GINA 2006 guidelines, this biological agent is indicated in severe persistent allergic asthma.
Schleich
F
F
Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Liège, Belgique.
Manise
M
M
Louis
R
R
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D000069444:Omalizumab; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000069444:Omalizumab; D007073:Immunoglobulin E