Omalizumab
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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
Your body makes an antibody called IgE that, in allergic people, overreacts to harmless things like pollen, dust, or peanuts. Omalizumab works upstream of the allergic reaction by grabbing free-floating IgE before it can dock onto mast cells and basophils, the cells that release histamine and trigger swelling, wheezing, or hives.
What it’s used for
Used for hard-to-control allergic asthma, nasal polyps caused by chronic sinus inflammation, serious food allergies (to lower the chance of a dangerous reaction from accidental exposure), and chronic hives that won't go away with standard allergy pills.
- Mechanism
- IgE antagonist (mAb)
- Drug class
- Monoclonal antibody
- Therapeutic area
- Immunology / Respiratory