Omalizumab may have anti-inflammatory effects on small airways and reverse airway remodeling

Omalizumab, a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is an effective treatment for severe allergic asthma. This prospective, single-arm observational study, evaluated its effects on small airways and airway remodeling, in 26 adult patients with severe refractory asthma (48 weeks of omalizumab treatment).

Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores and peak expiratory flow improved. Asthma exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids, fractional exhaled nitric oxide at 50 mL/s and alveolar nitric oxide levels, sputum eosinophil proportions, and airway-wall thickness as assessed by computed tomography also decreased.

Omalizumab may have anti-inflammatory effects on small airways and reverse airway remodeling.

References:

Comprehensive efficacy of omalizumab for severe refractory asthma: a time-series observational study. Tajiri T et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2014 Jul 1. pii: S1081-1206(14)00405-0. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2014.06.004. [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24994694