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Omalizumab for idiopathic urticaria

Omalizumab for idiopathic urticaria

Chronic idiopathic urticaria is one of the most frustrating entities to treat as many patients do not respond to antihistamines, even in high doses. Now, a new study suggests that omalizumab (Xolair), an IgE monoclonal antibody used to treat asthma, may be effective in these patients. Patients with moderate-to-severe chronic idiopathic urticaria (n = 323) were randomized to SQ injections of omalizumab every 4 weeks for three total injections at doses of 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, or placebo. The primary outcome was itch-severity score. The 75 mg dose was no better than placebo, but the two higher doses showed significant reductions in itching, with the 300 mg dose being the most effective. The higher dose was also associated with the highest risk of side effects, however, at about 6%. The authors conclude that omalizumab was effective in these patients who were previously symptomatic despite antihistamines. The study was sponsored by the drug manufacturers Genentech and Novartis Pharma (N Engl J Med published online Feb. 24, 2013. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1215372).