Omalizumab in children with inadequately controlled severe allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma

Curr Med Res Opin. 2010 Jun;26(6):1285-93. doi: 10.1185/03007991003771338.

Abstract

Background: Many children with severe persistent allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma remain inadequately controlled despite treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus a long-acting beta(2)-agonist (LABA).

Research and design methods: This pre-specified analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in children (6-<12 years) with perennial allergen sensitivity, and history of asthma exacerbations and symptoms despite treatment with ICS (fluticasone >or=500 microg x day(-1) or equivalent) plus a LABA. Patients received omalizumab (75-375 mg once or twice a month by subcutaneous injection, as determined from dosing tables) or placebo over 52 weeks (24-week fixed-steroid then 28-week adjustable-steroid phases).

Results: Out of 246 randomized patients (omalizumab, n = 166; placebo, n = 80), efficacy was analysed in 235 (omalizumab, n = 159; placebo, n = 76). Over the 24-week fixed-steroid phase, omalizumab reduced the rate of clinically significant asthma exacerbations (worsening symptoms requiring doubling of baseline ICS dose and/or systemic steroids) by 34% versus placebo (0.42 vs 0.63, rate ratio 0.662; P = 0.047). Over 52 weeks, the exacerbation rate was reduced by 50% (P < 0.001). Omalizumab had an acceptable safety profile, with no statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in adverse events observed between omalizumab and placebo.

Conclusion: Add-on omalizumab is well-tolerated and reduces exacerbations in children (6-<12 years) with severe persistent allergic asthma, inadequately controlled despite high-dose ICS plus a LABA. It should be noted that the sample size was not based on providing statistical power in the severe subgroup, and no corrections were made for multiple comparisons; however, outcomes consistently favoured omalizumab.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Allergic Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Child
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Male
  • Omalizumab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Omalizumab
  • Immunoglobulin E