Omalizumab for Allergic rhinitis

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a key factor of allergic rhinitis (It is an inflammation inside the nose caused by allergens, such as pollen, dust, mold, and also the flakes of skin from certain animals) and omalizumab (Xolair), a biologic drug helps in the removal of this circulating free IgE.

Omalizumab seems to be an effective treatment strategy for allergic rhinitis but, the high cost of omalizumab is one reason why it cannot be used to treat allergic rhinitis and it is not FDA approved for this reason.

The current treatments for allergic rhinitis include corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene receptor antagonists, anticholinergics, antihistamines, and allergen immunotherapy which can have long-term side effects on the body.

People who don’t respond well to the current treatments can opt for omalizumab (if it becomes FDA approved).

You can consult your doctor for more information.