Since 2003, when Omalizumab was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration, severe allergic asthma treatment has never been the same. This humanized monoclonal antibody selectively binds to IgE, preventing its interaction with the Fc¿RI receptor (IgE high-affinity receptor) on the surface of mast cells and basophils. In this way, release of inflammatory mediators is prevented.1 It is indicated for the treatment of severe uncontrolled allergic asthma, unresponsive to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids.

We wanted to share our rewarding experience with Omalizumab in Centro Hospitalar da Cova da Beira (CHCB), so we carried out a retrospective evaluation of the effects of Omalizumab in terms of clinical control of asthma, pulmonary function, number of visits to health facilities, and dependency on high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. From a total of 15 individuals eligible for Omalizumab therapy, we found a statistically significant increase in median FEV1 (from 62.3% before Omalizumab, to 77.4% after 4–6 months and 80.75% after 10–12 months of treatment), in the clinical control of asthma according to the Asthma Control Test (40% partially controlled and 47% totally controlled patients after 4–6 months, and 40% partially controlled and 60% totally controlled patients after 10–12 months of treatment), a statistically significant decrease in the number of hospital admissions (0.56/year to 0.0/year), and in emergency admissions related to asthma exacerbations (1.01–0.14 episodes/year). There were no changes in the inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonist doses.

We were expecting the benefits recorded at the CHCB, considering the results of numerous previous studies, which have consistently showed a significant connection between the administration of Omalizumab and clinical improvement, a decrease in the need for asthma medication, as well as in the number of hospitalizations, unscheduled visits and emergency episodes.2 Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that add-on Omalizumab therapy is cost-effective in patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.3,4

In conclusion, we believe that the costs of the Omalizumab therapy should not act as a constraint on prescribing it, when indicated. Decisions should be taken with a medium/long term perspective, bearing in mind that those patients for whom Omalizumab is indicated and not prescribed will eventually need extra health care with avoidable expense.