Medicine & USMLE

Omalizumab

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Respiratory Pharm
  1. Ipratropium vs Tiotropium
  2. 1st Generation Antihistamines
  3. 2nd-Generation Antihistamines
  4. Albuterol vs Salmeterol
  5. Fluticasone & Budesonide
  6. Montelukast & Zafirlukast
  7. Zileuton
  8. Omalizumab
  9. Cromolyn & Nedocromil
  10. Guaifenesin
  11. Endothelin Receptor Antagonists (Bosentan)
  12. Prostaglandin Analogs (Epoprostenol, Iloprost)
  13. Theophylline

Summary

Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat allergic asthma. Omalizumab functions by binding to IgE, preventing it from reaching mast cells to induce degranulation. The net effect is a decreased release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells, which can thereby relieve the symptoms of allergic asthma.

Key Points

  • Omalizumab
    • Mechanism
      • Antibody against IgE
        • Prevents IgE binding to and cross-linking the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on mast cells and basophils
        • Inhibits degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators normally generated in response to allergens
    • Clinical Use
      • Severe allergic asthma 
        • Most effective in cases where patients have high serum IgE levels, with disease resistant to steroids and beta-2 agonists