Monoclonal antibodies: Omalizumab

Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies, particularly anti-immunoglobin (Ig) Emonoclonal antibodies, are used in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma with a positive skin test and who are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. Omalizumab is the only drug in this class.

Omalizumab

Pharmacokinetics

Omalizumab is slowly absorbed after subcutaneous injection. It’s metabolized by the liver, but the rate of metabolization depends on IgG clearance.

Pharmacodynamics

Omalizumab inhibits the binding of IgE to its receptor on the mast cell and basophils. This in turns inhibits the release of allergic substances which potentiate asthma symptoms.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Omalizumab is used in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma with a positive skin test and insufficient control on inhaled corti-costeroids. Dosing for the drug is based on pretreatment serum IgE levels.

Drug interactions

No formal drug-interaction studies have been done. (See Adversereactions to monoclonal antibodies.)