Omalizumab for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic or Spontaneous Urticaria

This large, randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed the efficacy of omalizumab, an injectable anti–IgE humanized monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Chronic idiopathic urticaria (also called chronic spontaneous urticaria) is defined as itchy hives that last for at least 6 weeks, with or without angioedema, and that have no apparent external trigger. 1 The condition generally has a prolonged duration of 1 to 5 years (persisting for >5 years in 11 to 14% of patients 2 , 3 ) and has a detrimental effect on patients' emotional and physical health-related quality of life. 4 , 5 The impairment accompanying this disorder has been likened to that seen in patients with ischemic heart disease, with patients feeling a similar lack of energy, social isolation, and emotional upset . . .