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