Influence of baseline bronchodilator reversibility and blood eosinophils on lung function in patients with asthma following omalizumab

Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, reduces exacerbation frequency in patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma.1-3 Reductions in asthma exacerbations with omalizumab are more pronounced among patients with reduced baseline lung function (by baseline percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second [ppFEV1]) and high blood eosinophil count.4,5 Of note, reduced baseline lung function has been associated with high bronchodilator reversibility (≥20% increase in FEV1 after administration of a short-acting bronchodilator) and high levels of type 2 (T2) biomarkers, including blood eosinophils and serum IgE.