Efficacy of omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria refractory to conventional therapy: analysis of 110 patients in real-life practice

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2013 Sep;13(9):1225-8. doi: 10.1517/14712598.2013.822484. Epub 2013 Jul 23.

Abstract

Objective: To collect data on the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in 110 patients from 9 Spanish hospitals suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) refractory to conventional treatment.

Methods: A retrospective, descriptive analysis was performed, showing the data of 110 patients suffering from refractory CSU who received omalizumab as an off-label treatment in 9 Spanish hospitals from October 2009 to September 2012.

Results: Ninety (81.8%) patients exhibited a complete or significant response, 12 (10.9%) had partial response, and 8 (7.2%) showed no response. Sixty-six (60%) patients were able to stop all concomitant medications, remaining asymptomatic treated with omalizumab alone. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: Omalizumab shows excellent efficacy and safety profile in a large series of CSU patients in real-life practice. This drug will contribute to settle the debt with CSU patients contributing to restore their quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Allergic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Omalizumab
  • Spain
  • Urticaria / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

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