Omalizumab
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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
- Antibody against IgE
- 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
- Severe allergic asthma
- Mechanism