Anti-immunoglobulin E (omalizumab) therapy in allergic asthma

Several large-scale, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of the anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody, rhuMAb-E25 ( omalizumab) have demonstrated the benefits of this agent in patients with m oderate to severe allergic asthma who remain symptomatic despite treatment with systemic or inhaled corticosteroids. The trials have consistently show n that administration of omalizumab is associated with fewer asthma exacerb ations per patient despite significant reductions in corticosteroid dose, s table symptom control despite concomitant reductions in rescue medication u se, and improvement in quality of life compared with placebo. In addition, anti-IgE (omalizumab) has been shown to be safe and well tolerated.