New drugs; omalizumab
Cohen, A.F.; Dubois, E.A.; van Bronswijk, H.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 150(52): 2871-2872
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 17319219 Document Number: 603439
Omalizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that binds to circulating IgE, inhibiting its binding to the surface of mast cells and basophilic granulocytes. This prevents the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that produce an allergic response. This targeted mechanism of action provides a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with severe persistent, therapy-resistant allergic asthma. Omalizumab is administered subcutaneously in addition to other anti-asthma therapy. Until recently, the most important side effects are skin reactions at the site of administration and headache. Prospective data on additional long-term side effects are still being collected.