Author: Berger, William E.

Source: Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 27, Supplement 1, March-April 2006 , pp. 29-32(4)

Publisher: OceanSide Publications, Inc

Abstract:

Allergic diseases of the airways, including asthma and allergic rhinitis, remain highly prevalent with associated symptoms placing considerable restrictions on the physical, emotional, and social functioning of the affected individual. It is now recognized that immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in mediating the allergic response that follows exposure to allergens after an initial process of sensitization. This sensitization process results in the overproduction of antigen-specific IgE. Omalizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, is the first therapeutic agent specifically targeting IgE. It has been investigated extensively in the treatment of patients with allergic diseases and is approved in the United States only for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. Although not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this specific indication, omalizumab also has been shown to be effective in patients with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. As expected with a systemic anti-IgE agent, omalizumab also has been found to be helpful in the treatment of patients with concomitant asthma and allergic rhinitis. The efficacy of omalizumab in a range of allergic diseases reaffirms the importance of IgE in the pathogenesis of these conditions and shows the potential benefit to be obtained by inhibiting IgE, especially in patients with more severe and comorbid allergic diseases.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-03-01

More about this publication?

• Allergy and Asthma Proceedings is a peer reviewed publication dedicated to distributing timely scientific research regarding advancements in the knowledge and practice of allergy, asthma and immunology. Its primary readership consists of allergists and pulmonologists.
  
  The goal of the Proceedings is to publish articles with a predominantly clinical focus which directly impact quality of care for patients with allergic disease and asthma.
  
  Featured topics include asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, food allergies, allergic skin diseases, diagnostic techniques, allergens, and treatment modalities. Published material includes peer-reviewed original research, clinical trials and review articles.
  
  Articles marked "F" offer free full text for personal noncommercial use only.
  
  The journal is indexed in Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Science Citation Index Expanded, plus the National Library of Medicine's PubMed service.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Information for Advertisers
• Reprint Requests
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Allergy & Immunology
• By this author: Berger, William E.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers