Omalizumab (marketed under the name Xolair®) is a monoclonal antibody made by Genentech / Novartis and used mainly in allergy-related asthma therapy, with the purpose of reducing allergic hypersensitivity. Xolair (Omalizumab) is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized IgG1k monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is commonly involved with allergies when present in high amounts in the body.

Mechanism of Action

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Omalizumab inhibits the binding of IgE to the high-affinity IgE receptor FcεRI (and presumably to FcεRII as well) on the surface of mast cells and basophils. Reduction in surface bound IgE on FcεRI-bearing cells limits the degree of release of mediators of the allergic response. Treatment with Xolair also reduces the number of FcεRI receptors on basophils in atopic patients.

Usage

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Due to the lack of sufficient information on the long-term effectiveness and side effects of the drug, omalizumab treatment is not yet very common, and can be expensive. Another barrier to prevalent use is the injectable dosage form, which requires the patient to visit a physician's office or clinic every 2 to 4 weeks during treatment. Additionally, as IgE could be a natural defense against parasitic diseases, treatment is usually not recommended when living in environments where the presence of parasites is common.

Recent research suggests that IgE might play an important role in the immune system's recognition of cancer cells, so indiscriminate blocking of IgE / receptor interaction might have unforeseen problems.

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Omalizumab Highly Effective for Refractory Urticaria in Randomized Trial http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/urticaria/message/99544
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Omalizumab Highly Effective for Refractory Urticaria in Randomized Trial http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/urticaria/message/99544

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