Xolair: Anybody out there with Immunology/Allergy/Medical background???

Question

I was just reading the following on xolair.com:

"...XOLAIR is a different type of medication, the first to treat the attacks and symptoms of allergic asthma by blocking immunoglobulin E (IgE), an underlying cause of allergic asthma.

IgE is a substance that naturally occurs in your body in small amounts. When a person who has allergic asthma is exposed to an allergen, his or her body produces too much IgE. When these IgE antibodies combine with allergens, chemicals called mediators are released. In turn, the release of mediators causes the swelling and inflammation of the airways-the symptoms of allergic asthma.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 60% of people in the United States with asthma have allergic asthma..."
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I'm not sure how this med works-but...IN THEORY...could this med be used not only to control allergic asthma but to control allergies in general??? Like food and enviromental allergies???

Any insight shared is much appreciated!

Answer 1

I don't believe so. I did google Xolair, and it seems to only bind with IgE. The RAST test for allergies tests IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgE, so other immunoglobulins seem to be involved in different kinds of allergies. Some medications that help control allergies/food sensitivities are bad for asthmatics though, so although it can have dangerous side effects, it may be a live-saver for some people.