Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
[Omalizumab (Xolair). Product description]
1Herlev Hospital, Medicinsk Afdeling J 106. lclaursen@dadlnet.dk
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Xolair (Omalizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets immunoglobulin E (IgE). It is approved for allergic asthma and may treat other allergic conditions by inhibiting IgE effector functions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the IgE receptor.
- Currently approved for poorly controlled persistent allergic asthma.
- Potential applications in other IgE-mediated allergic disorders.
Purpose:
- To review the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of omalizumab.
- To discuss its current approved indication and explore off-label uses.
- To provide guidance on administration and treatment monitoring.
Summary:
- Omalizumab targets the high-affinity receptor binding site on immunoglobulin E (IgE).
- It is approved for persistent allergic asthma uncontrolled by inhaled corticosteroids.
- Its ability to inhibit IgE effector functions suggests potential for other allergic conditions.
Impact:
- Omalizumab offers a targeted therapy for specific allergic asthma patients.
- Further research may expand its use to a broader range of allergic diseases.
- Specialist administration and a 4-month efficacy assessment are recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...