Omalizumab and severe uncontrolled asthma

The recommendations for patients with asthma that is not well-controlled are inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β(2)-agonists (LABAs). Many of these patients, however, continue to have inadequately controlled asthma. In a previous study (Humbert et al. Allergy 2005;60(3):309-16), it was found that the annualized rate of severe exacerbations was reduced by 29% in patients receiving omalizumab in addition to guideline-defined therapy. In a large study in 850 patients aged 12 to 75 years who had inadequately controlled asthma despite treatment with high-dose ICS plus LABAs, with or without other controllers, omalizumab reduced exaberbations by 25% over 48 weeks (Hanania et al. Ann Intern Med 2011;154: 573-8). Are you using omalizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma? We want to hear about your experience.