Biologic
RCSB PDB 5HYS
Omalizumab
Xolair
- Mechanism of action
- IgE antagonist (mAb)
- In plain language
- A lab-made antibody that mops up IgE, the antibody behind allergic reactions, calming asthma, hives, and other allergic responses before they can flare.
- How it works
- Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that binds circulating free IgE, preventing it from engaging the high-affinity FcεRI receptor on mast cells, basophils, and dendritic cells. This reduces surface-bound IgE and drives down-regulation of FcεRI expression over time, blunting the allergic cascade at its trigger point.
- Therapeutic applications
- Indicated for moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma in patients 6 and older, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults, IgE-mediated food allergy in patients 1 and older to reduce reaction risk from accidental exposure, and chronic spontaneous urticaria in patients 12 and older.
- Class
- Monoclonal antibody
- Therapeutic area
- Immunology / Respiratory
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