Omalizumab: Anti-IgE Therapy in Allergy

Omalizumab is a humanized, monoclonal anti-IgE antibody that binds specifically to circulating IgE molecules, thus interrupting the allergic cascade. Omalizumab has been shown to be highly effective in treating children and adults with moderate to severe allergic asthma. Beyond this indication, the mode of action itself suggests that omalizumab is not only an antiasthmatic drug but also a promising therapeutic option for various allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, food allergy, urticaria, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, insect hypersensitivity, and atopic dermatitis. However, data from double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are only available for allergic rhinitis and moderate to severe bronchial asthma. The aim of this review is to discuss the current clinical data as well as possible further indications of omalizumab treatment.