[Disease modification and duration of omalizumab treatment in patients with severe allergic asthma].

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-IgE-antibody that is used to treat severe allergic asthma. The aim of this review was to evaluate the available evidence in a panel of experts and to provide recommendations on therapy duration with omalizumab.
RESULTS: A direct or indirect interaction between omalizumab and IgE production seems likely. Pharmacokinetic-pharmakodynamic models suggest that omalizumab modulates IgE production. This hypothesis is currently investigated in clinical studies. In addition, available evidence suggests that omalizumab mitigates different factors of airway remodeling. However, based on the currently available data, no recommendations can be given in regard to reduction of dosage or discontinuation of omalizumab in long term treated patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Currently, neither dose reductions nor treatment withdrawal can be recommended in patients with severe allergic asthma and long term treatment with omalizumab. Clinical studies addressing these issues are being conducted. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.