Update on optimal use of omalizumab in management of asthma

ate on optimal use of omalizumab in management of asthma Review (6160) Total Article Views Authors: Pelaia G, Gallelli L, Renda T, Romeo P, Busceti MT, Grembiale RD, Maselli R, Marsico SA, Vatrella A Published Date June 2011 Volume 2011:4 Pages 49 - 59 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S14520 Girolamo Pelaia1, Luca Gallelli1, Teresa Renda1, Pasquale Romeo1, Maria Teresa Busceti1, Rosa Daniela Grembiale1, Rosario Maselli1, Serafino Antonio Marsico2, Alessandro Vatrella3 1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Gr cia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro; 2Department of Cardiothoracic and Respiratory Sciences, Second University of Naples, Naples; 3Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy Abstract: Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody recently approved for the treatment of severe allergic asthma. This drug inhibits allergic responses by binding to serum IgE, thus preventing interaction with cellular IgE receptors. Omalizumab is also capable of downregulating the expression of high affinity IgE receptors on inflammatory cells, as well as the numbers of eosinophils in both blood and induced sputum. The clinical effects of omalizumab include improvements in respiratory symptoms and quality of life, paralleled by a reduction of asthma exacerbations, emergency room visits, and use of systemic corticosteroids and rescue bronchodilators. Omalizumab is relatively well-tolerated, and only rarely induces anaphylactic reactions. Therefore, this drug represents a valid option as add-on therapy for patients with severe persistent allergic asthma inadequately controlled by high doses of standard inhaled treatments.