Omalizumab protects against early, late allergic responses

(HealthDay)—For patients with a significant response to allergen challenge, omalizumab induces protective effects against early (EAR) and late allergic reactions (LAR), according to a study published online June 5 in Allergy.

Jordis Trischler, M.D., from the University Hospital Frankfurt in Germany, and colleagues determined the time course of the early (EAR) and late allergic reaction (LAR). Ten patients with a significant response to allergen challenge were treated with omalizumab. At week one, two, four, and eight, bronchial allergen provocations were repeated.

The researchers observed a significant reduction in EAR after four weeks (change in forced expiratory volume in one second [ΔFEV1], 28 versus 11 percent; P < 0.001; exhaled nitric oxide, 86 versus 53 ppb; P < 0.05), and there was a reduction in basophil activation after two weeks (CD63 expression, 79 versus 32 percent; P < 0.05). After one week there was a reduction in LAR (ΔFEV1, 26 versus 13 percent; P < 0.05).

"These results demonstrate the onset of protective effects earlier than previously determined, potentially improving seasonal utilization and combination with immunotherapy," the authors write.