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ACCP: Asthma Drug, Omalizumab, Provides Relief From Severe Eye Allergies By Linda J. Little PHOENIX, AZ -- October 6, 2004 -- A recently approved drug for asthma may provide relief for serious eye allergies that can eventually lead to blindness, say researchers. Omalizumab (Xolair), approved for asthma, has shown that it can reduce the itching eyes, rhinitis, sneezing, coughing and lid thickening of severe ocular allergy, the researchers reported. "Some people have such severe ocular allergies that it actually can sight threatening, potentially blinding," said Dr. Pat Williams, professor of pharmacology and ophthalmology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, United States. "These patients have terrible itching and uncomfortable running eyes. It can get so severe that the lids actually fuse to the sclera." Dr. Williams made the presentation here at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology. Omalizumab is a humanised FC fragment with murine IgE receptor binding sites. It forms igE immune complexes, which interrupts the immune response cascade that causes allergic symptoms. "It binds up IgE released in response to an antigen," said Dr. Williams. "It is the release of IgE that causes the allergic reactions." The Virginia researchers initially treated over several months 6 patients with severe ocular allergy. The patients all had elevated RAST titers for at least 1 antigen and symptoms consistent with allergic conjunctivitis. Four other patients also have begun treatment, but have not been totally evaluated. Six patients were evaluated for papillary conjunctivitis, corneal findings, topical and oral steroid use, asthma, eczema and rhinitis symptoms. Each visit included an interval history and slit lamp exam with attention to current asthma, eczema, rhinitis, itchy or watery eyes, hives, sneezing or cough. Omalizumab was administered subcutaneously 1 to 2 times monthly with a dose based on weight and total serum IgE. Preliminary data indicates omalizumab reduced the ocular allergic signs, symptoms, and topical steroid requirements, said Dr. Williams. No systemic adverse effects were noted during treatment. One patient developed rash and discontinued treatment, but the patient is now back on treatment after a return of the eye symptoms. "Steroid therapy complications are extremely common in this group of patients, while the alternatives to treatment are few," pointed out Dr. Williams. "Inhibiting IgE by omalizumab may significantly alter the long term course of disease as well as minimizing steroid use." Steroid use in ophthalmolic disease can also cause cataracts, she said. "You don't want to give topical steroids indefinitely." Dr. Williams is planning a longer term study involving a larger group of patients. [Presentation title: Omalizumab for Severe Ocular Allergy. Abstract: 64] E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version