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Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E antibody used in the treatment of severe asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E antibody used in the treatment of severe asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
When an environmental allergen first enters the body, is taken up by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). It is then processed, and presented to T and B immune cells. This is followed by the activation of B-lymphocyte and production of allergen-specific IgE. This IgE is then released by plasma cells (converted B lymphocytes) and is therefore available to bind to IgE receptors on several other cells . IgE binds to high-affinity (Fc€RI) and low-affinity (Fc€RII) receptors on multiple cells of the immune system. Following subsequent antigen exposure, cross-linking of the antigen occurs by several Fc€RI-bound IgE molecules on the surface of both basophils and mast cells. This leads to the activation of mast cells and histamine release, producing a wheal and other symptoms of urticaria . The following are explanations of the mechanism of action for both indications of this drug: Asthma Omalizumab inhibits the binding of IgE to the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on the surface of both mast cells and basophils. The reduction in surface-bound IgE on FcεRI-bearing cells limits the degree of release of mediators of the typical allergic response. Treatment with omalizumab also reduces the number of FcεRI receptors on basophils in atopic patients . Omalizumab binds to free IgE with a higher affinity than IgE itself binds to the high-affinity Fc€RI receptors found on basophils. Therefore, it decreases the availability of free IgE for binding . Omalizumab by itself does not bind to the Fc€RI receptors, nor does the drug bind to receptor-bound IgE. These binding characteristics allow omalizumab to neutralize the typical IgE-mediated responses without causing the degranulation of basophils or cross-linking with basophil-bound IgE . Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Omalizumab binds to IgE and decreases free IgE levels. Subsequently, IgE receptors (FcεRI) on cells are down-regulated. The mechanism by which these effects of omalizumab result in an improvement of CIU symptoms is unclear.
This drug is an anti-IgE antibody indicated for:
3 associated conditions
One entry per invention. Patent families filed in the US, EP, WO and CN offices.
