Investigational Anti-IgE Antibody Promising as Extracorporeal Allergy Therapy

view article

Published at: www.medscape.com

Next-Generation Xolair (omalizumab) sounds pretty good

June 18, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

This drug seems much more effective at reducing free-IgE levels than is Xolair.  Overall, Xolair has given many patients a tremendous improvement in their quality of life, but it hasn't fulfilled many of its promises. Frankly, some of Xolair's benefits are disappointing, particularly in the 40 or 50% of patients who use it without achieving great results.  In particular, Xolair patients who are on Advair 500/50 can sometimes get down to Advair 250/50, but it's been difficult tapering them to lower doses of inhaled corticosteroids.

mab12

June 16, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

more prescribing habits of a more potent antibody. It also would be preferred for those patients whose IgE levels are too great fro treatment with Xolair.

Mark VandewalkerAllergy Specialist and PartnerAllergy & Asthma Consultants Of The Ozarks Ltd

Will Xolair Become Obsolete in the Treatment of Allergies?

June 10, 2008

This recent report characterizes a newly discovered anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (mAb12) which appears dramatically more potent than omalizumab (Xolair) in its ability to reduce systemic IgE levels. If further studies confirm this enhanced reduction of IgE and IgE-bearing cells, mAb12 has significant potential to replace omalizumab as effective anti-IgE therapy with just one dose, even in patients with very high initial levels of total IgE. The potential market share for such a treatment is enormous since at least 25% of the population suffers from Ige-mediated diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic eczema, and food allergy.