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Omalizumab: an anti-immunoglobulin E antibody for the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases

J. Bousquet^*, U. Wahn^#, E. O. Meltzer^¶, H. Fox, S. Hedgecock, K. Thomas and A. Fowler-Taylor

^* Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France, ^# University Children's Hospital, Paediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany, ^¶ Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center, San Diego, CA, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, One health Plaza, East Hanover, NJ, USA, Novartis Horsham Research Centre, Horsham, West Sussex, UK.

CORRESPONDENCE: J. Bousquet, Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, 371 Avenue du Doyen G Giraud, Montpellier 34295, France. Fax: 33 467042708. E-mail: jean.bousquet{at}wanadoo.fr

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is central to the development of allergic diseases. Cross-linking of cell-bound IgE by the allergen leads to the initiation of the inflammatory cascade. Omalizumab, an anti-IgE antibody, forms complexes with free IgE, thereby inhibiting the allergic reaction before its commencement.

A survey of the clinical trials performed on omalizumab indicated that this anti-IgE antibody is efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of separate and concomitant asthma and rhinitis. In patients with poorly controlled asthma, omalizumab reduced the asthma exacerbation and emergency visit rate, along with improving the quality of life. The improvement in asthma control was associated with a reduction of inhaled and oral corticosteroids. Improved nasal symptom scores and a reduced need for antihistamines were observed in patients with allergic rhinitis. Omalizumab was also proven to be effective as an add-on therapy for concomitant asthma and rhinitis.

In conclusion, omalizumab provides an integrated approach for the treatment and management of allergic respiratory diseases.

KEYWORDS: Allergic rhinitis, anti-immunoglobulin E antibody, asthma, omalizumab