Omalizumab

Omalizumab is a prescription drug that is used to prevent asthma attacks that can occur in people who have certain types of allergies (such as to pollen, dust mites, or grass). These types of allergies are confirmed using a skin or blood test. Omalizumab works by binding to a certain type of antibody (IgE) that can cause allergic reactions and lead to asthma attacks. By binding to this antibody, omalizumab can prevent (but not cure) asthma attacks. The medication comes in the form of an injection that is given every two to four weeks.

 

What Is Omalizumab?

Omalizumab (Xolair®) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma. It is approved for use in people whose asthma is not adequately controlled by inhaled corticosteroids. Allergic asthma is asthma that is associated with an allergen. Allergens -- which can include pollen, dust mites, or grass -- are substances that cause allergic reactions. Allergic asthma is confirmed by a skin or blood test.
 
(Click What Is Omalizumab Used For? for more information on what omalizumab is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Omalizumab?

Omalizumab is made by Genentech, Inc.
 

How Does Omalizumab Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, when you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). This inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating (see Asthma Triggers). When the airways react, a few things happen: the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and the cells inside the airways produce more mucus. These reactions narrow the airways and make it harder to breathe.
 
Omalizumab is an asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. These medicines are used to treat a wide variety of conditions (including asthma). Omalizumab works by binding to IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies play an important role in allergic reactions. Omalizumab can block the effects of allergic reactions by binding to IgE antibodies. By preventing allergic reactions, omalizumab can help to prevent asthma attacks.
 
(Click Asthma Treatment for information about other medicines used for treating asthma.)
 
(Omalizumab Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;