FACT SHEET

ANTI-IgE

• Anti-IgE is a major treatment breakthrough for serious allergic asthma and may revolutionize how all allergic disease is treated. It targets the underlying cause of allergic disease, blocking the IgE antibody and stopping an allergic reaction before it begins. Other therapies treat the symptoms of allergies or block reactions to specific allergens.

• Anti-IgE (trade name Xolair) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2003 for use by patients who are age 12 and older, who have moderate-to-severe allergic asthma and have allergic asthma that has not responded well to other treatments such as allergen specific immunotherapy (allergy shots), prescription antihistamines and inhaled corticosteroids.

• Allergic asthma is asthma that is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne allergens such as pet dander, pollen, mold and dust mites.

• Of the estimated 20.3 million Americans who have asthma, about half of adults and 80 percent of children have allergic asthma.

• Anti-IgE is administered by injection every two to four weeks.

• The treatment can help prevent life-threatening asthma attacks, reduce asthma symptoms, improve quality of life and decrease reliance on other asthma and allergy medications.

Ongoing research demonstrates the safety and efficacy of anti-IgE for other types of allergic disease, including allergic asthma in children ages 6 to 12, seasonal allergic rhinitis and food allergies, and allergists expect the treatment to be available eventually for a greater number of patients.

For more information about allergy and asthma treatment options, call the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) toll-free number 800-842-7777 or visit its Web site at www.acaai.org.