Omalizumab: clinical use for the management of asthma

Thomson, N.C. and Chaudhuri, R. (2012) Omalizumab: clinical use for the management of asthma. Clinical Medicine Insights: Circulatory, Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine, 6, pp. 27-40. (doi: 10.4137/CCRPM.S7793)

Abstract

Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds circulating IgE antibody, is a treatment option for patients with moderate to severe allergic asthma whose asthma is poorly controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled long-acting ß2 agonist bronchodilators. This review considers the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety and place in management of omalizumab in asthma and focuses particularly on key articles published over the last three years. Omalizumab reduces IgE mediated airway inflammation and its effect on airway remodeling is under investigation. Recent long-term clinical trials confirm the benefits of omalizumab in reducing exacerbations and symptoms in adults and in children with moderate to severe allergic asthma. No clinical or immunological factor consistently predicts a good therapeutic response to omalizumab in allergic asthma. In responders, the duration of treatment is unclear. The main adverse effect of omalizumab is anaphylaxis, although this occurs infrequently. Preliminary data from a five-year safety study has raised concerns about increased cardiovascular events and a final report is awaited. Clinical trials are in progress to determine whether omalizumab has efficacy in the treatment of non-allergic asthma.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thomson, Professor Neil and Chaudhuri, Dr Rekha
• Authors: Thomson, N.C., and Chaudhuri, R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Clinical Medicine Insights: Circulatory, Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine
• ISSN: 1179-5484
• ISSN (Online): 1179-5484
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 Libertas Academica
• First Published: First published in Clinical Medicine Insights: Circulatory, Respiratory and Pulmonary Medicine 6:27-40
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher