Omalizumab

Brand Names: Xolair, Xolair Pfs, Xolair

Drug Class: Anti-IgE

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Omalizumab is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human immunoglobulin E (IgE). The antibody has a molecular weight of approximately 149 kiloDaltons. XOLAIR is produced by a Chinese hamster ovary cell suspension culture.

Mechanism of Action

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Asthma, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps, and IgE-Mediated Food Allergy Omalizumab inhibits the binding of IgE to the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on the surface of mast cells, basophils, and dendritic cells, resulting in FcεRI down-regulation on these cells. In allergic asthmatics, treatment with omalizumab inhibits IgE-mediated inflammation, as evidenced by reduced blood and tissue eosinophils and reduced inflammatory mediators, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Omalizumab binds to IgE and lowers free IgE levels. Subsequently, IgE receptors (FcεRI) on cells down-regulate.

Indications

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE XOLAIR is an anti-IgE antibody indicated for: Moderate to severe persistent asthma in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with a positive skin test or in vitro reactivity to a perennial aeroallergen and symptoms that are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids ( 1.1 ) Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in adult patients 18 years of age and older with inadequate response to nasal corticosteroids, as add-on maintenance treatment ( 1.

Common Doses

  • 375 mg
  • 600 mg
  • 75 mg
  • 300 mg

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For subcutaneous (SC) administration only. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 ) See full prescribing information for administration instructions ( 2.6 , 2.7 , 2.8 ). Asthma : XOLAIR 75 to 375 mg SC every 2 or 4 weeks. Determine dose (mg) and dosing frequency by serum total IgE level (IU/mL), measured before the start of treatment, and body weight (kg). See the dose determination charts. ( 2.2 ) Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps : XOLAIR 75 to 600 mg SC every 2 or 4 weeks.

Black Box Warning

WARNING: ANAPHYLAXIS Anaphylaxis presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of XOLAIR. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as after the first dose of XOLAIR, but also has occurred beyond 1 year after beginning regularly administered treatment. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, initiate XOLAIR therapy in a healthcare setting and closely observe patients for an appropriate period of time after XOLAIR administration.

Contraindications

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS XOLAIR is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity reaction to XOLAIR or any ingredient of XOLAIR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Severe hypersensitivity reaction to XOLAIR or any ingredient of XOLAIR ( 4 , 5.1 )

Side Effects

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Anaphylaxis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Asthma : The most common adverse reactions (≥ 1% of patients) in clinical studies with adult and adolescent patients ≥12 years of age were arthralgia, pain (general), leg pain, fatigue, dizziness, fracture, arm pain, pruritus, dermatitis, and earache. In clinical studies with pediatric patients 6 to

Interactions

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with XOLAIR. In patients with asthma, CRSwNP, and IgE-mediated food allergy the concomitant use of XOLAIR and allergen immunotherapy has not been evaluated . In patients with CSU, the use of XOLAIR in combination with immunosuppressive therapies has not been studied. No formal drug interaction studies have been performed. ( 7 )