EDITORIAL BACKGROUND

ANTI-IgE

What is anti-IgE?

The anti-IgE drug omalizumab (trade name Xolair) is a major treatment breakthrough for serious allergic asthma and may revolutionize the treatment of allergic disease. Rather than treating the symptoms, anti-IgE prevents an allergic reaction before it begins by blocking the antibodies that trigger the reaction.

Who can take anti-IgE?

Anti-IgE is currently approved for patients age 12 and older who have moderate-to-severe allergic asthma – asthma triggered by allergic reactions to inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander and mold. It’s estimated that among the 20.3 million Americans who have asthma, half of adults and 80 percent of children have allergic asthma.

Can anti-IgE be used to treat allergies?

Although not yet approved for conditions other than allergic asthma, clinical studies are being conducted for the treatment of food allergies and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Studies also are underway to measure the therapy’s safety and effectiveness in children with allergic asthma.

How is anti-IgE given?

Anti-IgE is administered by injection one or two times a month.

How does anti-IgE differ from other treatments, like allergy shots or antihistamines?

These therapies treat the symptoms of allergies or block reactions to specific allergens. For example, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, decrease a patient’s sensitivity to specific allergy triggers by administering gradually increasing doses of the purified allergens. Medications, such as antihistamines, control allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching and sniffling by blocking the release of the histamines that trigger these symptoms. Anti-IgE is the first approved therapy to block the IgE antibody, the underlying cause of allergy and allergic asthma symptoms.
 
Where can a patient receive anti-IgE treatment?

Because anti-IgE is approved for people with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma, it is available from allergists, doctors who specialize in treating allergies and asthma. An allergist can assess and accurately diagnose a patient’s asthma and determine if anti-IgE treatment is appropriate.

What if a patient is not a candidate for anti-IgE?

Many asthma patients who are not yet candidates for anti-IgE treatment could be doing more to control their condition. Despite advances in asthma prevention, diagnosis and treatment, asthma is still one of the most common chronic diseases in America, causing 4,500 deaths each year. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has created guidelines to help asthma patients determine if they are receiving comprehensive, effective care. The guidelines recommend that an asthma patient’s doctor should:

• Test and monitor asthma symptoms, including taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination, measuring lung function with special tests and ordering additional tests as needed.
• Obtain allergy testing to identify environmental factors that might be triggering asthma.
• Identify and take steps to control asthma triggers, like animal dander, dust mites, pollen, exercise and cigarette smoke.
• Explain treatment options, including both long-term and quick-relief drugs for asthma, and anti-allergy therapies like allergy shots.
• Provide ongoing education and support.
• Develop a written plan to monitor how well the disease is being controlled.

For More Information
 No matter what the cause of allergy misery, the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (ACAAI) can help consumers bring their allergies under control. For more information about allergies or asthma, call the College at 1-800-842-7777 or visit its Web site at www.acaai.org. The ACAAI is a professional medical organization comprising more than 4,950 allergists-immunologists and related health professionals dedicated to the clinical practice of allergy, asthma and immunology through education and research to promote the highest quality patient care.