Since January 2012, Omalizumab is available within the health service in Malta for patients suffering from severe allergic asthma (SAA).

Omalizumab is an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody indicated as an add-on therapy for patients (adults, adolescents and children from six years old) with uncontrolled severe allergic asthma, despite regular inhalers.

Omalizumab leads to improved asthma control, fewer symptoms and less need for reliever medication. It is recognised that it can significantly reduce the risk of exacerbations and the subsequent number of hospitalisations in patients with SAA.

Asthma can be a debilitating disease with an impact on a patient’s life quality that worsens as asthma severity increases. Patients with severe asthma have a specific problem because they are less responsive to standard asthma therapy. The impact on the quality of life for these patients can include debilitating breathlessness, asthma attacks limiting the ability to speak, and fear of death from their next attack.

The increased risk of exacerbation associated with SAA leads to an increased incidence of hospitalisation and mortality. Furthermore, patients with severe asthma cannot predict when their symptoms will worsen. The inability to ascertain asthma control leads to a constant state of anxiety for many patients. In children and teenagers, concerns over asthma are heightened and the impact extends to the entire family.

The Novartis-produced Xolair (Omalizumab) was approved by the European Commission in 2005. It is administered by regular injections. There are 25 patients currently taking Omalizumab locally.