Anti-Immunoglobulin E, a Monoclonal Antibody to Treat Respiratory Disorders

Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that interrupts allergic reaction—irrespective of the nature of the allergen—by blocking free immunoglobulin E (IgE). The IgE is thus prevented from attaching to cell receptors and setting in motion an allergic cascade of inflammatory mediators. Other interesting biological effects of omalizumab are that it downregulates IgE receptor expression on cell membranes and reduces bronchial eosinophilic infiltration. Clinical trials have demonstrated omalizumab's efficacy and safety in treating most allergic disorders. However, given its high cost, omalizumab is generally reserved for more severe cases of asthma and for asthma that responds poorly to conventional treatments.