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Clinical Trial Results

XOLAIR DELIVERED SIGNIFICANT RELIEF IN chronic ITCH AND HIVES

Relief by week 12, observed as early as 2 weeks

DEMONSTRATED REDUCTIONS IN MEAN WEEKLY ITCH SEVERITY SCORE AT WEEK 12 (N=241)1,8*

Weekly itch severity score in Study 1 (N=241)

*Change from baseline in the weekly itch severity score at Week 12 was the primary endpoint.8

†The weekly itch severity score was calculated for each patient at each week. The mean change from baseline (the primary efficacy analysis) and the mean percentage change in weekly itch severity score were calculated for each treatment group for comparison vs active control at week 12 (the primary efficacy analysis time point).2,8

Study 1: Proportion of patients with UAS7≤6 (controlled urticaria)8

XOLAIR delivered improvements patients can see

DEMONSTRATED REDUCTIONS IN MEAN WEEKLY HIVE COUNT SCORE FROM BASELINE AT WEEK 12 (N=241)1,4,8

Weekly hive count score in Study 1

Graphic containing several photographs of the upper torsos of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria to compare the weekly hive count reduction results of two different doses of XOLAIR omalizumab versus the placebo results

Images are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
Study 1: Change from baseline in mean weekly hive score count at Week 12 (N=241)1*
Similar results were seen in Study 2.4

Hive count: During Studies 1 and 2, the hive count score was measured twice a day (am and pm) on a scale of 0 (no hives) to 3 (>12 hives). The daily hive count score was the average of the morning and evening scores, and the weekly hive count score (0-21) was the sum of the daily hive count scores over 7 days.8

For more information, see study details

*Secondary efficacy endpoints across all studies included change from baseline in UAS7 at Week 12 and change from baseline in weekly hive count score at Week 12.1,2
UAS7=Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days.



Study 2 confirmed significant relief2,8

REDUCTIONS IN ITCH SEVERITY SCORE8*†

Text graphic that compares the reductions in itch severity score of the two different XOLAIR omalizumab doses versus the placebo in treating chronic spontaneous urticaria

XOLAIR reduced mean weekly itch severity scores at Week 12 from baseline, which was the primary endpoint (XOLAIR 300 mg, -9.8 from 13.7; XOLAIR 150 mg, -8.1 from 14.2; placebo, -5.1 from 14.0).2

  • The difference in LS mean vs active control was -4.8 for XOLAIR 300 mg (P<0.001; 95% CI: -6.5, -3.1) and -3.0 for XOLAIR 150 mg (P<0.01; 95% CI:-4.9, -1.2)2

REDUCTIONS IN HIVE COUNT SCORE8*‡

XOLAIR reduced mean weekly hive count scores at Week 12 from baseline (XOLAIR 300 mg, 12.0 from 15.8; XOLAIR 150 mg, 9.8 from 17.1; placebo, 5.2 from 17.0).2

  • The difference in LS mean vs active control was 7.1 for XOLAIR 300 mg (P<0.001; 95% CI: 9.3, 4.9) and 4.5 for XOLAIR 150 mg (P<0.001; 95% CI: 6.7, 2.4)2

*All patients received their dose of study drug or placebo in addition to stable doses of their prerandomization H1 antihistamine.8

†The weekly itch severity score was calculated for each patient at each week. The mean change from baseline (the primary efficacy analysis) and the mean percentage change in weekly itch severity score were calculated for each treatment group for comparison vs active control at Week 12 (the primary efficacy analysis time point).2,8

‡Secondary efficacy endpoints across all studies included change from baseline in UAS7 at Week 12 and change from baseline in weekly hive count score at Week 12.1,2

For more information, see study details

Up to 44% of patients on XOLAIR 300 mg experienced complete relief2

PERCENTAGE OF PATIENTS ACHIEVING COMPLETE RELIEF AT WEEK 122,4

Study 1

Text graphic that compares the results of the clinical Study 1 of XOLAIR omalizumab in achieving complete relief for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Study 2

Text graphic that compares the results of the clinical Study 2 of XOLAIR omalizumab in achieving complete relief for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Complete relief defined as: No itch and no hives (UAS7=0) at Week 12 (N=241).1,4

 

Graphic containing photographs of a patient with a CSU flare before a XOLAIR omalizumab treatment period

Patient with CSU on the upper chest

Graphic containing photographs of a patient with a CSU flare after a XOLAIR omalizumab treatment period

*Image is for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.

For more information, see study details

NEXT: Trial Information >

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    • Boyce JA, Assa’ad Amal, Burks AW, et al; NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: report of the NIAID-sponsored expert panel. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126(suppl 6):S1-S58.

      Boyce JA, Assa’ad Amal, Burks AW, et al; NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: report of the NIAID-sponsored expert panel. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126(suppl 6):S1-S58.

    • Santos AF, Riggioni C, Agache I, et al. EAACI guidelines on the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy. Allergy. 2023;78(12):3057​-3076.

      Santos AF, Riggioni C, Agache I, et al. EAACI guidelines on the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy. Allergy. 2023;78(12):3057​-3076.

    • Oettgen HC. Mast cells in food allergy: inducing immediate reactions and shaping long-term immunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2023;151(1):21-25.

      Oettgen HC. Mast cells in food allergy: inducing immediate reactions and shaping long-term immunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2023;151(1):21-25.

    • Anvari S, Miller J, Yeh CY, Davis CM. IgE-mediated food allergy. Clinic Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019;57(2):244​-260.

      Anvari S, Miller J, Yeh CY, Davis CM. IgE-mediated food allergy. Clinic Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019;57(2):244​-260.

    • Zablotsky B, Black LI, Akinbami LJ. Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0–17 years: United States, 2021. NCHS Data Brief. 2023;(459):1-8.

      Zablotsky B, Black LI, Akinbami LJ. Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0–17 years: United States, 2021. NCHS Data Brief. 2023;(459):1-8.

    • Mahdavinia M, Fox SR, Smith BM, et al. Racial differences in food allergy phenotype and health care utilization among US children. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017;5(2):352​-357.e1.

      Mahdavinia M, Fox SR, Smith BM, et al. Racial differences in food allergy phenotype and health care utilization among US children. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017;5(2):352​-357.e1.

    • Sicherer SH, Sampson HA. Food allergy: a review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018;141(1):41-58.

      Sicherer SH, Sampson HA. Food allergy: a review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018;141(1):41-58.

    • Lieberman JA, Chehade M. Use of omalizumab in the treatment of food allergy and anaphylaxis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2013;13(1):78-84.

      Lieberman JA, Chehade M. Use of omalizumab in the treatment of food allergy and anaphylaxis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2013;13(1):78-84.

    • El Ansari YS, Kanagaratham C, Oettgen HC. Mast cells as regulators of adaptive immune responses in food allergy. Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(5):711​-718.

      El Ansari YS, Kanagaratham C, Oettgen HC. Mast cells as regulators of adaptive immune responses in food allergy. Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(5):711​-718.

    • Ruiter B, Shreffler WG. The role of dendritic cells in food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;129(4):921​-928.

      Ruiter B, Shreffler WG. The role of dendritic cells in food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;129(4):921​-928.

    • Gupta S, Warren C, Seetasith A, Schuldt R, Gupta R, Casale TB. Mental health concerns of patients and their caregivers in the food allergy research & education (FARE) patient registry add to the burden of food allergy. Poster presented at: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting; February 24-27, 2023; San Antonio, TX.

      Gupta S, Warren C, Seetasith A, Schuldt R, Gupta R, Casale TB. Mental health concerns of patients and their caregivers in the food allergy research & education (FARE) patient registry add to the burden of food allergy. Poster presented at: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting; February 24-27, 2023; San Antonio, TX.

    • Vandenplas Y. Prevention and management of cow’s milk allergy in non-exclusively breastfed infants. Nutrients. 2017;9(7):731.

      Vandenplas Y. Prevention and management of cow’s milk allergy in non-exclusively breastfed infants. Nutrients. 2017;9(7):731.

    • Don’t let hidden holiday allergies ruin your good cheer. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published April 11, 2019. Accessed February 12, 2024. https://acaai.org/news/dont-let-hidden-holiday-allergies-ruin-your-good-cheer/

      Don’t let hidden holiday allergies ruin your good cheer. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published April 11, 2019. Accessed February 12, 2024. https://acaai.org/news/dont-let-hidden-holiday-allergies-ruin-your-good-cheer/

    • Hill DJ, Heine RG, Hosking CS. The diagnostic value of skin prick testing in children with food allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2004;15(5):435​-441.

      Hill DJ, Heine RG, Hosking CS. The diagnostic value of skin prick testing in children with food allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2004;15(5):435​-441.

    • Fierstein JL, Brown D, Gupta R, Bilaver L. Understanding food-related allergic reactions through a US national patient registry. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(1):206​-215.e1.

      Fierstein JL, Brown D, Gupta R, Bilaver L. Understanding food-related allergic reactions through a US national patient registry. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(1):206​-215.e1.

    • Permaul P, Stutius LM, Sheehan WJ, et al. Sesame allergy: role of specific IgE and skin-prick testing in predicting food challenge results. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2009;30(6):643​-648.

      Permaul P, Stutius LM, Sheehan WJ, et al. Sesame allergy: role of specific IgE and skin-prick testing in predicting food challenge results. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2009;30(6):643​-648.

    • Soy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Updated April 9, 2019. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/soy/

      Soy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Updated April 9, 2019. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/soy/

    • Sokol K, Rasooly M, Dempsey C, et al. Prevalence and diagnosis of sesame allergy in children with IgE-mediated food allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2020;31(2):214​-218.

      Sokol K, Rasooly M, Dempsey C, et al. Prevalence and diagnosis of sesame allergy in children with IgE-mediated food allergy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2020;31(2):214​-218.

    • Verstege A, Mehl A, Rolinck-Werninghaus C, et al. The predictive value of the skin prick test weal size for the outcome of oral food challenges. Clin Exp Allergy. 2005;35(9):1220​-1226.

      Verstege A, Mehl A, Rolinck-Werninghaus C, et al. The predictive value of the skin prick test weal size for the outcome of oral food challenges. Clin Exp Allergy. 2005;35(9):1220​-1226.

    • Giannetti A, Ruggi A, Ricci G, Giannì G, Caffarelli C. Natural history of hazelnut allergy and current approach to its diagnosis and treatment. Children (Basel). 2023;10(3):585.

      Giannetti A, Ruggi A, Ricci G, Giannì G, Caffarelli C. Natural history of hazelnut allergy and current approach to its diagnosis and treatment. Children (Basel). 2023;10(3):585.

    • Cortot CF, Sheehan WJ, Permaul P, et al. Role of specific IgE and skin-prick testing in predicting food challenge results to baked egg. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2012;33(3):275​-281.

      Cortot CF, Sheehan WJ, Permaul P, et al. Role of specific IgE and skin-prick testing in predicting food challenge results to baked egg. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2012;33(3):275​-281.

    • Koplin JJ, Perrett KP, Sampson HA. Diagnosing peanut allergy with fewer oral food challenges. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019;7(2):375​-380.

      Koplin JJ, Perrett KP, Sampson HA. Diagnosing peanut allergy with fewer oral food challenges. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019;7(2):375​-380.

    • Feng C, Kim JH. Beyond avoidance: the psychosocial impact of food allergies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019;57(1):74-82.

      Feng C, Kim JH. Beyond avoidance: the psychosocial impact of food allergies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019;57(1):74-82.

    • Chokshi NY, Maskatia Z, Miller S, Guffey D, Minard CG, Davis CM. Risk factors in pediatric shrimp allergy. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2015;36(4):65-71.

      Chokshi NY, Maskatia Z, Miller S, Guffey D, Minard CG, Davis CM. Risk factors in pediatric shrimp allergy. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2015;36(4):65-71.

    • Saleh-Langenberg J, Flokstra-de Blok BM, Goossens NJ, Kemna JC, van der Velde JL, Dubois AE. The compliance and burden of treatment with the epinephrine auto-injector in food-allergic adolescents. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2016;27(1):28-34.

      Saleh-Langenberg J, Flokstra-de Blok BM, Goossens NJ, Kemna JC, van der Velde JL, Dubois AE. The compliance and burden of treatment with the epinephrine auto-injector in food-allergic adolescents. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2016;27(1):28-34.

    • Portnoy JM. Appropriate allergy testing and interpretation. Mo Med. 2011;108(5):339​-343.

      Portnoy JM. Appropriate allergy testing and interpretation. Mo Med. 2011;108(5):339​-343.

    • Sicherer SH, Warren CM, Dant C, Gupta RS, Nadeau KC. Food allergy from infancy through adulthood. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(6):1854​-1864.

      Sicherer SH, Warren CM, Dant C, Gupta RS, Nadeau KC. Food allergy from infancy through adulthood. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(6):1854​-1864.

    • Li PH, Rutkowski K, Kennard L, et al. Challenge-confirmed peanut allergy in older patients: performance of skin tests, specific immunoglobulin E, and ara h 2. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(3):334​-335.

      Li PH, Rutkowski K, Kennard L, et al. Challenge-confirmed peanut allergy in older patients: performance of skin tests, specific immunoglobulin E, and ara h 2. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(3):334​-335.

    • Groetch M, Mudd K, Woch M, et al. Retail food equivalents for post-oral immunotherapy dosing in the Omalizumab as Monotherapy and as Adjunct Therapy to Multi-Allergen Oral Immunotherapy in Food-Allergic Children and Adults (OUtMATCH) clinical trial. J Allergy Immunol Pract. 2023;11(2):572​-580.e2.

      Groetch M, Mudd K, Woch M, et al. Retail food equivalents for post-oral immunotherapy dosing in the Omalizumab as Monotherapy and as Adjunct Therapy to Multi-Allergen Oral Immunotherapy in Food-Allergic Children and Adults (OUtMATCH) clinical trial. J Allergy Immunol Pract. 2023;11(2):572​-580.e2.

    IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

    INDICATION

    XOLAIR® (omalizumab) is indicated for:

    • The treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who remain symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment.


      Limitations of Use: XOLAIR is not indicated for treatment of other forms of urticaria.

    WARNING: Anaphylaxis

    Anaphylaxis presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of XOLAIR. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as after the first dose of XOLAIR, but also has occurred beyond 1 year after beginning regularly administered treatment. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, initiate XOLAIR therapy in a healthcare setting and closely observe patients for an appropriate period of time after XOLAIR administration. Health care providers administering XOLAIR should be prepared to manage anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Selection of patients for self-administration of XOLAIR should be based on criteria to mitigate risk from anaphylaxis.


    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    XOLAIR is contraindicated in patients with a severe hypersensitivity reaction to XOLAIR or to any ingredient of XOLAIR.

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported to occur after administration of XOLAIR in premarketing clinical trials and in postmarketing spontaneous reports. In premarketing clinical trials in patients for a different indication, anaphylaxis was reported in 3 of 3507 (0.1%) patients. Anaphylaxis occurred with the first dose of XOLAIR in two patients and with the fourth dose in one patient. The time to onset of anaphylaxis was 90 minutes after administration in two patients and 2 hours after administration in one patient.

    A case-control study in asthma patients showed that, among XOLAIR users, patients with a history of anaphylaxis to foods, medications, or other causes were at increased risk of anaphylaxis associated with XOLAIR, compared to those with no prior history of anaphylaxis.

    In postmarketing spontaneous reports, the frequency of anaphylaxis attributed to XOLAIR use was estimated to be at least 0.2% of patients based on an estimated exposure of about 57,300 patients from June 2003 through December 2006. Approximately 60% to 70% of anaphylaxis cases have been reported to occur within the first three doses of XOLAIR, with additional cases occurring sporadically beyond the third dose.

    Initiate XOLAIR only in a healthcare setting equipped to manage anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Observe patients closely for an appropriate period of time after administration of XOLAIR, taking into account the time to onset of anaphylaxis seen in premarketing clinical trials and postmarketing spontaneous reports. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should signs or symptoms occur.

    Once XOLAIR therapy has been established, administration of XOLAIR prefilled syringe or autoinjector outside of a healthcare setting by a patient or a caregiver may be appropriate for selected patients. Patient selection, determined by the healthcare provider in consultation with the patient, should take into account the pattern of anaphylaxis events seen in premarketing clinical trials and postmarketing spontaneous reports, as well as individual patient risk factors (e.g. prior history of anaphylaxis), ability to recognize signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and ability to perform subcutaneous injections with XOLAIR prefilled syringe or autoinjector with proper technique according to the prescribed dosing regimen and Instructions for Use.

    Discontinue XOLAIR in patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction.

    Malignancy: Malignant neoplasms were observed in 20 of 4127 (0.5%) XOLAIR-treated patients compared with 5 of 2236 (0.2%) control patients in clinical studies of adults and adolescents (≥12 years of age) for a different indication and other allergic disorders. The observed malignancies in XOLAIR-treated patients were a variety of types, with breast, non-melanoma skin, prostate, melanoma, and parotid occurring more than once, and five other types occurring once each. The majority of patients were observed for less than 1 year. The impact of longer exposure to XOLAIR or use in patients at higher risk for malignancy (e.g., elderly, current smokers) is not known.

    A subsequent 5-year observational study of 5007 XOLAIR-treated and 2829 non-XOLAIR-treated adolescent and adult patients for a different indication found that the incidence rates of primary malignancies (per 1000 patient years) were similar in both groups (12.3 vs 13.0, respectively). Study limitations which include the observational study design, the bias introduced by allowing enrollment of patients previously exposed to XOLAIR (88%), enrollment of patients (56%) while a history of cancer or a premalignant condition were study exclusion criteria, and the high study discontinuation rate (44%) preclude definitively ruling out a malignancy risk with XOLAIR.

    Corticosteroid Reduction: In CSU patients, the use of XOLAIR in combination with corticosteroids has not been evaluated.

    Fever, Arthralgia, and Rash: In post-approval use, some patients have experienced a constellation of signs and symptoms, including arthritis/arthralgia, rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy with an onset 1 to 5 days after the first or subsequent injections of XOLAIR. These signs and symptoms have recurred after additional doses in some patients. Physicians should stop XOLAIR if a patient develops this constellation of signs and symptoms.

    Parasitic (Helminth) Infection: Monitor patients at high risk of geohelminth infection while on XOLAIR therapy. Insufficient data are available to determine the length of monitoring required for geohelminth infections after stopping XOLAIR treatment.

    Laboratory Tests: Due to formation of XOLAIR:IgE complexes, serum total IgE levels increase following administration of XOLAIR and may remain elevated for up to 1 year following discontinuation of XOLAIR.

    Potential Medication Error Related to Emergency Treatment of Anaphylaxis
    XOLAIR should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. In studies to simulate use, some patients and caregivers did not understand that XOLAIR is not intended for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The safety and effectiveness of XOLAIR for emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have not been established. Instruct patients that XOLAIR is for maintenance use to reduce allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, while avoiding food allergens.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: The most common adverse reactions (≥2% incidence in XOLAIR-treated patients and more frequent than in placebo) for XOLAIR 150 mg and 300 mg, respectively, included: headache (12%, 6%), nasopharyngitis (9%, 7%), arthralgia (3%, 3%), viral upper respiratory infection (2%, 1%), nausea (1%, 3%), sinusitis (1%, 5%), upper respiratory tract infection (1%, 3%), and cough (1%, 2%).

    Injection Site Reactions: Injection site reactions of any severity occurred in more XOLAIR-treated patients (11 patients [2.7%] at 300 mg, 1 patient [0.6%] at 150 mg) compared with 2 placebo-treated patients (0.8%). The types of injection site reactions included: swelling, erythema, pain, bruising, itching, bleeding, and urticaria. None of the events resulted in study discontinuation or treatment interruption.

    Injection Site Reactions in Healthy Adults: In an open label trial in healthy adults, in which the 300 mg/2 mL autoinjector was compared to the 300 mg/2 mL prefilled syringe, injection site reactions (e.g., induration, pain, erythema, hemorrhage, swelling, discomfort, bruising, hypoesthesia, edema, pruritus) were observed in 24% (16/66) of subjects treated with the autoinjector compared with 14% (9/64) of subjects treated with the prefilled syringe.

    Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events from Clinical Studies in Patients with Asthma: A 5-year observational study was conducted in 5007 XOLAIR-treated and 2829 non-XOLAIR-treated patients ≥12 years of age for a different indication to evaluate the long term safety of XOLAIR, including the risk of malignancy. The results suggest a potential increased risk of serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients treated with XOLAIR, however the observational study design, the inclusion of patients previously exposed to XOLAIR (88% for a mean of 8 months), baseline imbalances in cardiovascular risk factors between the treatment groups, an inability to adjust for unmeasured risk factors, and the high study discontinuation rate (44%) limit the ability to quantify the magnitude of the risk.

    Pregnancy: Data with XOLAIR use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform on drug associated risk.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555 or Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at (888) 669-6682.

    Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING and Medication Guide, for additional Important Safety Information.

    WARNING: Anaphylaxis

    Anaphylaxis presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of XOLAIR. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as after the first dose of XOLAIR, but also has occurred beyond 1 year after beginning regularly administered treatment. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, initiate XOLAIR therapy in a healthcare setting and closely observe patients for an appropriate period of time after XOLAIR administration. Health care providers administering XOLAIR should be prepared to manage anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Selection of patients for self-administration of XOLAIR should be based on criteria to mitigate risk from anaphylaxis.

    INDICATION

    XOLAIR® (omalizumab) is indicated for:

    • The treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who remain symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment.


      Limitations of Use: XOLAIR is not indicated for treatment of other forms of urticaria.


    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    XOLAIR is contraindicated in patients with a severe hypersensitivity reaction to XOLAIR or to any ingredient of XOLAIR.

    WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported to occur after administration of XOLAIR in premarketing clinical trials and in postmarketing spontaneous reports. In premarketing clinical trials in patients for a different indication, anaphylaxis was reported in 3 of 3507 (0.1%) patients. Anaphylaxis occurred with the first dose of XOLAIR in two patients and with the fourth dose in one patient. The time to onset of anaphylaxis was 90 minutes after administration in two patients and 2 hours after administration in one patient.

    A case-control study in asthma patients showed that, among XOLAIR users, patients with a history of anaphylaxis to foods, medications, or other causes were at increased risk of anaphylaxis associated with XOLAIR, compared to those with no prior history of anaphylaxis.

    In postmarketing spontaneous reports, the frequency of anaphylaxis attributed to XOLAIR use was estimated to be at least 0.2% of patients based on an estimated exposure of about 57,300 patients from June 2003 through December 2006. Approximately 60% to 70% of anaphylaxis cases have been reported to occur within the first three doses of XOLAIR, with additional cases occurring sporadically beyond the third dose.

    Initiate XOLAIR only in a healthcare setting equipped to manage anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Observe patients closely for an appropriate period of time after administration of XOLAIR, taking into account the time to onset of anaphylaxis seen in premarketing clinical trials and postmarketing spontaneous reports. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should signs or symptoms occur.

    Once XOLAIR therapy has been established, administration of XOLAIR prefilled syringe or autoinjector outside of a healthcare setting by a patient or a caregiver may be appropriate for selected patients. Patient selection, determined by the healthcare provider in consultation with the patient, should take into account the pattern of anaphylaxis events seen in premarketing clinical trials and postmarketing spontaneous reports, as well as individual patient risk factors (e.g. prior history of anaphylaxis), ability to recognize signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and ability to perform subcutaneous injections with XOLAIR prefilled syringe or autoinjector with proper technique according to the prescribed dosing regimen and Instructions for Use.

    Discontinue XOLAIR in patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction.

    Malignancy: Malignant neoplasms were observed in 20 of 4127 (0.5%) XOLAIR-treated patients compared with 5 of 2236 (0.2%) control patients in clinical studies of adults and adolescents (≥12 years of age) for a different indication and other allergic disorders. The observed malignancies in XOLAIR-treated patients were a variety of types, with breast, non-melanoma skin, prostate, melanoma, and parotid occurring more than once, and five other types occurring once each. The majority of patients were observed for less than 1 year. The impact of longer exposure to XOLAIR or use in patients at higher risk for malignancy (e.g., elderly, current smokers) is not known.

    A subsequent 5-year observational study of 5007 XOLAIR-treated and 2829 non-XOLAIR-treated adolescent and adult patients for a different indication found that the incidence rates of primary malignancies (per 1000 patient years) were similar in both groups (12.3 vs 13.0, respectively). Study limitations which include the observational study design, the bias introduced by allowing enrollment of patients previously exposed to XOLAIR (88%), enrollment of patients (56%) while a history of cancer or a premalignant condition were study exclusion criteria, and the high study discontinuation rate (44%) preclude definitively ruling out a malignancy risk with XOLAIR.

    Corticosteroid Reduction: In CSU patients, the use of XOLAIR in combination with corticosteroids has not been evaluated.

    Fever, Arthralgia, and Rash: In post-approval use, some patients have experienced a constellation of signs and symptoms, including arthritis/arthralgia, rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy with an onset 1 to 5 days after the first or subsequent injections of XOLAIR. These signs and symptoms have recurred after additional doses in some patients. Physicians should stop XOLAIR if a patient develops this constellation of signs and symptoms.

    Parasitic (Helminth) Infection: Monitor patients at high risk of geohelminth infection while on XOLAIR therapy. Insufficient data are available to determine the length of monitoring required for geohelminth infections after stopping XOLAIR treatment.

    Laboratory Tests: Due to formation of XOLAIR:IgE complexes, serum total IgE levels increase following administration of XOLAIR and may remain elevated for up to 1 year following discontinuation of XOLAIR.

    Potential Medication Error Related to Emergency Treatment of Anaphylaxis
    XOLAIR should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. In studies to simulate use, some patients and caregivers did not understand that XOLAIR is not intended for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The safety and effectiveness of XOLAIR for emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have not been established. Instruct patients that XOLAIR is for maintenance use to reduce allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, while avoiding food allergens.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: The most common adverse reactions (≥2% incidence in XOLAIR-treated patients and more frequent than in placebo) for XOLAIR 150 mg and 300 mg, respectively, included: headache (12%, 6%), nasopharyngitis (9%, 7%), arthralgia (3%, 3%), viral upper respiratory infection (2%, 1%), nausea (1%, 3%), sinusitis (1%, 5%), upper respiratory tract infection (1%, 3%), and cough (1%, 2%).

    Injection Site Reactions: Injection site reactions of any severity occurred in more XOLAIR-treated patients (11 patients [2.7%] at 300 mg, 1 patient [0.6%] at 150 mg) compared with 2 placebo-treated patients (0.8%). The types of injection site reactions included: swelling, erythema, pain, bruising, itching, bleeding, and urticaria. None of the events resulted in study discontinuation or treatment interruption.

    Injection Site Reactions in Healthy Adults: In an open label trial in healthy adults, in which the 300 mg/2 mL autoinjector was compared to the 300 mg/2 mL prefilled syringe, injection site reactions (e.g., induration, pain, erythema, hemorrhage, swelling, discomfort, bruising, hypoesthesia, edema, pruritus) were observed in 24% (16/66) of subjects treated with the autoinjector compared with 14% (9/64) of subjects treated with the prefilled syringe.

    Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events from Clinical Studies in Patients with Asthma: A 5-year observational study was conducted in 5007 XOLAIR-treated and 2829 non-XOLAIR-treated patients ≥12 years of age for a different indication to evaluate the long term safety of XOLAIR, including the risk of malignancy. The results suggest a potential increased risk of serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients treated with XOLAIR, however the observational study design, the inclusion of patients previously exposed to XOLAIR (88% for a mean of 8 months), baseline imbalances in cardiovascular risk factors between the treatment groups, an inability to adjust for unmeasured risk factors, and the high study discontinuation rate (44%) limit the ability to quantify the magnitude of the risk.

    Pregnancy: Data with XOLAIR use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform on drug associated risk.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555 or Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at (888) 669-6682.

    Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING and Medication Guide, for additional Important Safety Information.