• Paul P Belliveau.
• Department of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy-Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
• MedGenMed. 2005 Jan 27; 7 (1): 27.

ObjectivesTo describe allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis pathophysiology and review the pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, efficacy, and safety data for omalizumab.MethodsMEDLINE, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, and EMBASE Drugs & Pharmacology were searched using olizumab, omalizumab, E25, rhuMAb-E25, and anti-IgE. Combinations of rhinitis, asthma, and IgE captured information on disease pathophysiology.ResultsOmalizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the high-affinity receptor binding site on human immunoglobulin (Ig)E. Bound IgE is not available for basophil binding, degranulation is attenuated, and allergic symptoms are reduced. In asthma trials, omalizumab reduced inhaled corticosteroid and rescue medication requirements and improved asthma control and asthma quality of life in moderate to severe allergic asthmatics with disease poorly controlled by inhaled corticosteroids. In trials of patients with poorly controlled moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), omalizumab reduced the severity of exacerbations and rescue medication use, and improved rhinitis-related quality of life. Benefits were also observed in trials utilizing combinations of immunotherapy and omalizumab for SAR and in trials of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). Omalizumab has been well tolerated. Although malignant neoplasms have been observed in treated patients, they were likely not related to omalizumab therapy.ConclusionsOmalizumab has demonstrated efficacy in children, adults, and adolescents with uncontrolled moderate to severe allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. Long-term safety beyond 52 weeks needs continued evaluation.

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