[New principles and possibilities in the treatment of asthma]

In the coming years, asthma therapy should be tailored to the individual patient's needs. The principles of optimal asthma control and symptom-driven therapy offer the possibility for more individualised asthma management. Omalizumab (monoclonal anti IgE) may have positive clinical effects, including a reduction in the exacerbation-rate, and is indicated for patients, who--in spite of best possible asthma therapy--continue to have reduced lung function, severe exacerbations, severe symptoms, and documented non-seasonal allergy.