Chronic urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition that affects up to 20% of the global population. It causes red, itchy, and raised welts on the skin, often accompanied by swelling and discomfort.

The condition is caused by a histamine release in the body, which triggers an immune response, leading to the characteristic symptoms.

While acute urticaria generally clears up within 6 weeks, chronic urticaria persists for longer periods, sometimes even years. The condition can be debilitating, affecting a person’s quality of life, and leading to social anxiety and depression.

The European Union recently approved a new medication for the treatment of chronic urticaria, offering hope to millions of people suffering from the condition.

The medication, Xolair, is the first biologic therapy to be approved in the EU for chronic urticaria.

What is Xolair?

Xolair, also known as omalizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that binds to immunoglobulin E (IgE), a type of antibody that plays a role in the allergic response.

By binding to IgE, Xolair prevents it from binding to cells throughout the body, reducing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

Xolair has been used to treat asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria in the United States and other countries since 2003. The medication is administered by injection, either subcutaneously or intravenously, depending on the condition being treated.

How Effective is Xolair?

Clinical studies have shown that Xolair is highly effective in reducing the symptoms of chronic urticaria.

In a Phase III trial, patients treated with Xolair experienced a significant reduction in the number of hives, as well as improvements in itchiness and swelling, compared to those treated with placebo.

The medication has also been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects reported. The most common side effect of Xolair is injection site reactions, such as redness and swelling, which usually resolve within a few days.

Who is Eligible for Treatment with Xolair?

Xolair is indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older who have not responded to standard therapy, such as antihistamines.

Chronic idiopathic urticaria is a form of chronic urticaria that is not caused by a specific trigger, such as an allergic reaction or infection.

Before starting treatment with Xolair, patients must undergo a skin test to determine their level of IgE. This test helps identify patients who are more likely to respond to treatment with Xolair.

What are the Benefits of Xolair?

The approval of Xolair offers a new option for people living with chronic urticaria who have failed to find relief with traditional treatments.

Xolair has been shown to provide rapid and sustained relief of symptoms, with improvements seen within days of starting treatment.

The medication also offers a more targeted approach to the treatment of chronic urticaria, addressing the underlying cause of the condition, rather than just treating the symptoms.

This can lead to improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs over time.

What are the Potential Drawbacks of Xolair?

Despite its potential benefits, Xolair is not without its drawbacks. Firstly, the medication is expensive, costing thousands of euros per year, making it inaccessible to many people.

Secondly, the medication must be administered by a healthcare professional, either in a clinic or at home, which can be inconvenient for some patients.

Additionally, like all medications, Xolair may not work for everyone. While the medication has been shown to be highly effective in clinical trials, some patients may not experience significant improvements in their symptoms.

Conclusion

The approval of Xolair for the treatment of chronic urticaria represents a significant advance in the management of this debilitating condition.

The medication offers a new option for people living with chronic urticaria who have not responded to standard therapy, providing rapid and sustained relief of symptoms. While the medication is expensive and may not work for everyone, it represents a more targeted approach to the treatment of chronic urticaria and offers hope to millions of people around the world.