Monoclonal antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies, particularly anti-immunoglobin (Ig) E monoclonal antibodies, are used in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma with a positive skin test and who are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. Omalizumab is the only drug in this class.
Omalizumab
Omalizumab is slowly absorbed after subcutaneous injection. It’s metabolized by the liver, but the rate of metabolization depends on IgG clearance.
Pharmacodynamics
Omalizumab inhibits the binding of IgE to its receptor on the mast cell and basophils. This in turns inhibits the release of allergic substances which potentiate asthma symptoms.
Pharmacotherapeutics
Omalizumab is used in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma with a positive skin test and insufficient control on inhaled corticosteroids. Dosing for the drug is based on pretreatment serum IgE levels.
Warning!
Adverse reactions to monoclonal antibodies
Adverse reactions to monoclonal antibodies include:
- injection site reactions
- upper respiratory tract infections
- sinusitis
- headache
- pharyngitis
- allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions may be severe enough to be life-threatening and typically occur within 2 hours of administration. However, in rare cases, delayed anaphylactic reactions (occurring more than 24 hours after administration) may occur.
Drug interactions
No formal drug-interaction studies have been done
Thanks for your visit..!