Real-life effectiveness of omalizumab in patients with severe persistent allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma: Pooled data from 4 UK centres

Omalizumab is an effective adjunctive therapy for patients (age ≥6 years; European Union), with uncontrolled severe persistent allergic asthma. To evaluate the effectiveness of omalizumab on real-life outcomes in UK clinical settings, we retrospectively reviewed records from severe allergic asthma patients who were receiving omalizumab (150–600 mg q4wk or q2wk) at 4 UK centres. Data were compared for 12 months (Plymouth) or 2 years (Chertsey; Bradford; Colchester) pre-omalizumab and for the most recent assessment following omalizumab initiation. Patients (n=80; age 14–74 years) received omalizumab for an average of 1190 days (range: 112–4217). 82% patients responded to treatment at 16 weeks. There was a decrease in hospital admissions/bed days, ICU admissions, and accident & emergency (AE mean maintenance dose of OCS pre- and post-omalizumab was 14.6 and 4.7 mg/day, respectively. Mean [SD] improvements were also observed in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) score (+1.6[1.4]) and Asthma Control Test (+3.8[9.0]). Patients not receiving OCS at baseline (n=22) achieved higher mean [SD] AQLQ scores compared with those receiving OCS at baseline (n=49): 1.8[1.5] vs 1.6[1.3], respectively. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of omalizumab in a clinical setting, and further support the efficacy of omalizumab shown in clinical trials.