Omalizumab: Monoclonal Antibody for Asthma and Chronic Urticaria

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What is omalizumab used for?

It is used when asthma symptoms are not controlled by asthma inhaled steroid medicine. Omalizumab is not a rescue medicine for treating an asthma attack. Omalizumab is used to treat chronic hives (idiopathic urticaria) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old, after antihistamines have been tried without success.

Is omalizumab a monoclonal antibody?

Omalizumab is a recombinant DNA -derived humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to free human immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood and interstitial fluid and to the membrane-bound form of IgE (mIgE) on the surface of mIgE-expressing B lymphocytes. Its primary adverse effect is anaphylaxis .

Is omalizumab a biological medicine?

Omalizumab is a biological medicine. Biological medicines must be prescribed and dispensed by brand name, see Biological medicines and Biosimilar medicines, under Guidance on prescribing; record the brand name and batch number after each administration. For choice of therapy, see Asthma, acute and Asthma, chronic.

When did omalizumab become a drug?

In 1987 Tanox filed its first patent application on the anti-IgE drug candidates. It took until 2003, in the United States until omalizumab was approved, in Europe until 2005 for moderate to severe persistent asthma, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In February 2024, the FDA approved it also to treat severe food allergy.

Can omalizumab be used to treat hives?

Omalizumab is not used to treat other forms of hives or allergic conditions. Omalizumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the body that causes the symptoms of allergic asthma, nasal polyps, and hives.

Is omalizumab safe to take?

Most medicines are safe to take with omalizumab. It is important that your doctor is aware that you are having this treatment. Your GP and dermatologist should be aware of all your medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements (including vitamins and herbal medicines).

What Is Omalizumab

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omalizumab
2. https://www.drugs.com/omalizumab.html
3. https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/media/c0wf4don/patient-information-leaflet-omalizumab-xolair-rde-20-207-001.pdf

Omalizumab Information

1. https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/omalizumab/
2. https://patient-info.co.uk/xolair-69945/patient-leaflet
3. https://www.xolair.com/
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603031.html
5. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/xolair
6. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00043
7. https://bnfc.nice.org.uk/drugs/omalizumab/