Xolair (Omalizumab) is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to human immunoglobulin E (IgE). The antibody has a molecular weight of approximately 149 kilodaltons. Xolair is produced by a Chinese hamster ovary cell suspension culture in a nutrient medium containing the antibiotic gentamicin. Gentamicin is not detectable in the final product.

Xolair is a sterile, white, preservative-free, lyophilized powder contained in a single-use vial that is reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI), USP, and administered as a subcutaneous (SC) injection. A Xolair vial contains 202.5 mg of Omalizumab, 145.5 mg sucrose, 2.8 mg L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, 1.8 mg L-histidine, and 0.5 mg polysorbate 20, and is designed to deliver 150 mg of Omalizumab in 1.2 mL after reconstitution with 1.4 mL SWFI, USP.

Xolair (Omalizumab) is indicated for adults and adolescents (12 years of age and above) with moderate to severe persistent asthma who have a positive skin test or in vitro reactivity to a perennial aeroallergen and whose symptoms are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. Xolair has been shown to decrease the incidence of asthma exacerbations in these patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established in other allergic conditions.

Xolair (Omalizumab) 150 to 375 mg is administered SC every 2 or 4 weeks. Because the solution is slightly viscous, the injection may take 5-10 seconds to administer. Doses (mg) and dosing frequency are determined by serum total IgE level (IU/mL), measured before the start of treatment, and body weight (kg). See the dose determination charts below (Table 5 and Table 6) for appropriate dose assignment. Doses of more than 150 mg are divided among more than one injection site to limit injections to not more than 150 mg per site.

The need for continued therapy should be periodically reassessed based upon the patient's disease severity and level of asthma control.

Table 5
ADMINISTRATION EVERY 4 WEEKS
Xolair Doses (milligrams) Administered by Subcutaneous Injection Every 4 Weeks for Adults and Adolescents
(12 Years of Age and Older) with Asthma

Table 6
ADMINISTRATION EVERY 2 WEEKS
Xolair Doses (milligrams) Administered by Subcutaneous Injection Every 2 Weeks for Adults and Adolescents
(12 Years of Age and Older) with Asthma

Dosing Adjustments

Total IgE levels are elevated during treatment and remain elevated for up to one year after the discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, re-testing of IgE levels during Xolair treatment cannot be used as a guide for dose determination. Dose determination after treatment interruptions lasting less than 1 year should be based on serum IgE levels obtained at the initial dose determination. Total serum IgE levels may be re-tested for dose determination if treatment with Xolair has been interrupted for one year or more.

Doses should be adjusted for significant changes in body weight. (See Table 5 and Table 6.)

Preparation for Administration

Xolair for SC administration should be prepared using SWFI, USP, ONLY.

Xolair is for single use only and contains no preservatives. The solution should be used for SC administration within 8 hours following reconstitution when stored in the vial at 2-8°C (36-46°F), or within 4 hours of reconstitution when stored at room temperature.

The lyophilized product takes 15-20 minutes to dissolve. The fully reconstituted product will appear clear or slightly opalescent and may have a few small bubbles or foam around the edge of the vial. The reconstituted product is somewhat viscous; in order to obtain the full 1.2 mL dose, ALL OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE WITHDRAWN from the vial before expelling any air or excess solution from the syringe.

STEP 1: Draw 1.4 mL of SWFI, USP into a 3-cc syringe equipped with a 1-inch, 18-gauge needle.

STEP 2: Place the vial upright on a flat surface and using standard aseptic technique, insert the needle and inject the SWFI, USP directly onto the product.

STEP 3: Keeping the vial upright, gently swirl the upright vial for approximately 1 minute to evenly wet the powder. Do not shake.

STEP 4: After completing STEP 3, gently swirl the vial for 5-10 seconds approximately every 5 minutes in order to dissolve any remaining solids. There should be no visible gel-like particles in the solution. Do not use if foreign particles are present.

Note: Some vials may take longer than 20 minutes to dissolve completely. If this is the case, repeat STEP 4 until there are no visible gel-like particles in the solution. It is acceptable to have small bubbles or foam around the edge of the vial. Do not use if the contents of the vial do not dissolve completely by 40 minutes.

STEP 5: Invert the vial for 15 seconds in order to allow the solution to drain toward the stopper. Using a new 3-cc syringe equipped with a 1-inch, 18-gauge needle, insert the needle into the inverted vial. Position the needle tip at the very bottom of the solution in the vial stopper when drawing the solution into the syringe. Before removing the needle from the vial, pull the plunger all the way back to the end of the syringe barrel in order to remove all of the solution from the inverted vial.

STEP 6: Replace the 18-gauge needle with a 25-gauge needle for subcutaneous injection.

STEP 7: Expel air, large bubbles, and any excess solution in order to obtain the required 1.2 mL dose. A thin layer of small bubbles may remain at the top of the solution in the syringe. Because the solution is slightly viscous, the injection may take 5-10 seconds to administer.

A vial delivers 1.2 mL (150 mg) of Xolair. For a 75 mg dose, draw up 0.6 mL into the syringe and discard the remaining product (see Table 7).

Table 7
Number of Injections and Total Injection Volumes for Asthma

Stability and Storage

Xolair should be shipped at controlled ambient temperature ( ≤ 30°C [ ≤ 86°F]). Xolair should be stored under refrigerated conditions 2-8°C (36-46°F). Do not use beyond the expiration date stamped on carton.

Xolair is for single-use only and contains no preservatives. The solution may be used for SC administration within 8 hours following reconstitution when stored in the vial at 2-8°C (36-46°F), or within 4 hours of reconstitution when stored at room temperature.

Reconstituted Xolair vials should be protected from direct sunlight.

Xolair (Omalizumab) is supplied as a lyophilized, sterile powder in a single-use, 5-cc vial that is designed to deliver 150 mg of Xolair upon reconstitution with 1.4 mL SWFI, USP.

Each carton contains one single-use vial of Xolair® (Omalizumab) NDC 50242-040-62.

Manufactured by: Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080-4990
Revision Date: Month 2007
Jointly marketed by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation., One Health Plaza, East Hanover, NJ 07936-1080
FDA rev date: 7/2/2007

Clinical Trials Experience

The most serious adverse reactions occurring in clinical trials with Xolair were anaphylaxis and malignancies (see WARNINGS). Anaphylaxis was reported in 3 of 3507 (0.1%) patients in clinical trials. 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.

In clinical trials the observed incidence of malignancy among Xolair-treated patients (0.5%) was numerically higher than among patients in control groups (0.2%).

The adverse reactions most commonly observed among patients treated with Xolair in clinical studies included injection site reaction (45%), viral infections (23%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), sinusitis (16%), headache (15%), and pharyngitis (11%). These events were observed at similar rates in Xolair-treated patients and control patients. These were also the most frequently reported adverse reactions resulting in clinical intervention (e.g., discontinuation of Xolair, or the need for concomitant medication to treat an adverse reaction).

Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of one drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in medical practice.

The data described above reflect Xolair exposure for 2076 adult and adolescent patients ages 12 and older, including 1687 patients exposed for six months and 555 exposed for one year or more, in either placebo-controlled or other controlled asthma studies. The mean age of patients receiving Xolair was 42 years, with 134 patients 65 years of age or older; 60% were women, and 85% Caucasian. Patients received Xolair 150 to 375 mg every 2 or 4 weeks or, for patients assigned to control groups, standard therapy with or without a placebo.

Table 4 shows adverse events that occurred ≥ 1% more frequently in patients receiving Xolair than in those receiving placebo in the placebo-controlled asthma studies. Adverse events were classified using preferred terms from the International Medical Nomenclature (IMN) dictionary. Injection site reactions were recorded separately from the reporting of other adverse events and are described following Table 4.

Table 4
Adverse Events ≥ 1% More Frequent in Xolair-Treated Patients

Age (among patients under age 65), race, and gender did not appear to affect the between group differences in the rates of adverse events.

Injection Site Reactions

Injection site reactions of any severity occurred at a rate of 45% in Xolair-treated patients compared with 43% in placebo-treated patients. The types of injection site reactions included: bruising, redness, warmth, burning, stinging, itching, hive formation, pain, indurations, mass, and inflammation.

Severe injection-site reactions occurred more frequently in Xolair-treated patients compared with patients in the placebo group (12% versus 9%).

The majority of injection site reactions occurred within 1 hour-post injection, lasted less than 8 days, and generally decreased in frequency at subsequent dosing visits.

Immunogenicity

Low titers of antibodies to Xolair were detected in approximately 1/1723 ( < 0.1%) of patients treated with Xolair. The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to Xolair in an ELISA assay and are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody positivity in the assay may be influenced by several factors including sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. Therefore, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to Xolair with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

Postmarketing Spontaneous Reports

Anaphylaxis: Based on spontaneous reports and an estimated exposure of about 57,300 patients from June 2003 through December 2006, the frequency of anaphylaxis attributed to Xolair use was estimated to be at least 0.2% of patients. Diagnostic criteria of anaphylaxis were skin or mucosal tissue involvement, and, either airway compromise, and/or reduced blood pressure with or without associated symptoms, and a temporal relationship to Xolair administration with no other identifiable cause. Signs and symptoms in these reported cases included bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, angioedema of the throat or tongue, dyspnea, cough, chest tightness, and/or cutaneous angioedema. Pulmonary involvement was reported in 89% of the cases. Hypotension or syncope was reported in 14% of cases. Fifteen percent of the reported cases resulted in hospitalization. A previous history of anaphylaxis unrelated to Xolair was reported in 24% of the cases.

Of the reported cases of anaphylaxis attributed to Xolair, 39% occurred with the first dose, 19% occurred with the second dose, 10% occurred with the third dose, and the rest after subsequent doses. One case occurred after 39 doses (after 19 months of continuous therapy, anaphylaxis occurred when treatment was restarted following a 3 month gap). The time to onset of anaphylaxis in these cases was up to 30 minutes in 35%, greater than 30 and up to 60 minutes in 16%, greater than 60 and up to 90 minutes in 2%, greater than 90 and up to 120 minutes in 6%, greater than 2 hours and up to 6 hours in 5%, greater than 6 hours and up to 12 hours in 14%, greater than 12 hours and up to 24 hours in 8%, and greater than 24 hours and up to 4 days in 5%. In 9% of cases the times to onset were unknown.

Twenty-three patients who experienced anaphylaxis were rechallenged with Xolair and 18 patients had a recurrence of similar symptoms of anaphylaxis. In addition, anaphylaxis occurred upon rechallenge with Xolair in 4 patients who previously experienced urticaria only.

Hematologic: Severe thrombocytopenia has been reported in postapproval use of Xolair.

Skin: Hair loss has been reported in postapproval use of Xolair.

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with Xolair. The concomitant use of Xolair and allergen immunotherapy has not been evaluated.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis has been reported to occur after administration of Xolair in premarketing clinical trials and in postmarketing spontaneous reports. Signs and symptoms in these reported cases have included bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue. Some of these events have been life-threatening. In premarketing clinical trials the frequency of anaphylaxis attributed to Xolair use was estimated to be 0.1%. 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. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as after the first dose of Xolair, but also has occurred beyond one year after beginning regularly scheduled treatment.

Xolair should only be administered in a healthcare setting by healthcare providers prepared to manage anaphylaxis that can be life-threatening. Patients should be closely observed 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 (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and instructed to seek immediate medical care should signs or symptoms occur (See PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients).

Xolair should be discontinued in patients who experience a severe hypersensitivity reaction (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

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 asthma 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 (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Malignancy).

General

Xolair has not been shown to alleviate asthma exacerbations acutely and should not be used for the treatment of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.

Information for Patients

Patients should be given and instructed to read the accompanying Medication Guide before starting treatment and before each subsequent treatment. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.

Patients should be advised of the risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis with Xolair and that there have been reports of anaphylaxis up to 4 days after administration of Xolair. Xolair should only be administered in a healthcare setting by healthcare providers. Patients should be closely observed following its administration. Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Patients should be instructed to seek immediate medical care should such signs or symptoms occur. (See WARNINGS, Anaphylaxis).

Patients receiving Xolair should be told not to decrease the dose of, or stop taking any other asthma medications unless otherwise instructed by their physician. Patients should be told that they may not see immediate improvement in their asthma after beginning Xolair therapy.

Corticosteroid Reduction

Systemic or inhaled corticosteroids should not be abruptly discontinued upon initiation of Xolair therapy. Decreases in corticosteroids should be performed under the direct supervision of a physician and may need to be performed gradually.

Parasitic (Helminth) Infection

In a one-year clinical trial conducted in Brazil in patients at high risk for geohelminthic infections (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, threadworm), 53% (36/68) of omalizumab-treated patients experienced an infection, as diagnosed by standard stool examination, compared to 42% (29/69) of placebo controls. The point estimate of the odds ratio for infection was 1.96, with a 95% confidence interval (0.88, 4.36) indicating that in this study a patient who had an infection was anywhere from 0.88 to 4.36 times as likely to have received Omalizumab than a patient who did not have an infection. Response to appropriate anti-geohelminth treatment of infection as measured by stool egg counts was not different between treatment groups. Patients at high risk of geohelminth infection should be monitored for such infections while on Xolair therapy. Insufficient data are available to determine the length of monitoring required for geohelminth infections after stopping Xolair treatment.

Laboratory Tests

Serum total IgE levels increase following administration of Xolair due to formation of Xolair:IgE complexes (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Elevated serum total IgE levels may persist for up to 1 year following discontinuation of Xolair. Serum total IgE levels obtained less than 1 year following discontinuation may not reflect steady state free IgE levels and should not be used to reassess the dosing regimen.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No long-term studies have been performed in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of Xolair.

No evidence of mutagenic activity was observed in Ames tests using six different strains of bacteria with and without metabolic activation at Omalizumab concentrations up to 5000 µg/mL.

The effects of Omalizumab on male and female fertility have been assessed in cynomolgus monkey studies. Administration of Omalizumab at doses up to and including 75 mg/kg/week did not elicit reproductive toxicity in male cynomolgus monkeys and did not inhibit reproductive capability, including implantation, in female cynomolgus monkeys. These doses provide a 2- to 16-fold safety factor based on total dose and 2- to 5-fold safety factor based on AUC over the range of adult clinical doses.

Pregnancy (Category B)

Reproduction studies in cynomolgus monkeys have been conducted with Omalizumab. Subcutaneous doses up to 75 mg/kg (12-fold the maximum clinical dose) of Omalizumab did not elicit maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, or teratogenicity when administered throughout organogenesis and did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth when administered throughout late gestation, delivery, and nursing.

IgG molecules are known to cross the placental barrier. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Xolair in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Xolair should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Pregnancy Exposure Registry

To monitor outcomes of pregnant women exposed to Xolair, including women who are exposed to at least one dose of Xolair within 8 weeks prior to conception or any time during pregnancy, a pregnancy exposure registry has been established. Healthcare providers should encourage their patients to call 1-866-4XOLAIR (1-866-496-5247) to enroll in the Xolair Pregnancy Exposure Registry. Healthcare providers can call this number to obtain further information about this registry.

Nursing Mothers

The excretion of Omalizumab in milk was evaluated in female cynomolgus monkeys receiving SC doses of 75 mg/kg/week. Neonatal plasma levels of Omalizumab after in utero exposure and 28 days of nursing were between 11% and 94% of the maternal plasma level. Milk levels of Omalizumab were 1.5% of maternal blood concentration. While Xolair presence in human milk has not been studied, IgG is excreted in human milk and therefore it is expected that Xolair will be present in human milk. The potential for Xolair absorption or harm to the infant are unknown; caution should be exercised when administering Xolair to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 have not been established.

Geriatric Use

In clinical trials 134 patients 65 years of age or older were treated with Xolair. Although there were no apparent age-related differences observed in these studies, the number of patients aged 65 and over is not sufficient to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

The maximum tolerated dose of Xolair has not been determined. Single intravenous doses of up to 4000 mg have been administered to patients without evidence of dose-limiting toxicities. The highest cumulative dose administered to patients was 44,000 mg over a 20-week period, which was not associated with toxicities.

Xolair should not be administered to patients who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction to Xolair (see WARNINGS: Anaphylaxis).

Mechanism of Action

Xolair inhibits the binding of IgE to the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc&RI) on the surface of mast cells and basophils. Reduction in surface-bound IgE on Fc&RI-bearing cells limits the degree of release of mediators of the allergic response. Treatment with Xolair also reduces the number of Fc&RI receptors on basophils in atopic patients.

Pharmacokinetics

After SC administration, Omalizumab is absorbed with an average absolute bioavailability of 62%. Following a single SC dose in adult and adolescent patients with asthma, Omalizumab was absorbed slowly, reaching peak serum concentrations after an average of 7-8 days. The pharmacokinetics of Omalizumab are linear at doses greater than 0.5 mg/kg. Following multiple doses of Omalizumab, areas under the serum concentration-time curve from Day 0 to Day 14 at steady state were up to 6-fold of those after the first dose.

In vitro, Omalizumab forms complexes of limited size with IgE. Precipitating complexes and complexes larger than 1 million daltons in molecular weight are not observed in vitro or in vivo. Tissue distribution studies in cynomolgus monkeys showed no specific uptake of ¹²⁵I-Omalizumab by any organ or tissue. The apparent volume of distribution in patients following SC administration was 78 ± 32 mL/kg.

Clearance of Omalizumab involves IgG clearance processes as well as clearance via specific binding and complex formation with its target ligand, IgE. Liver elimination of IgG includes degradation in the liver reticuloendothelial system (RES) and endothelial cells. Intact IgG is also excreted in bile. In studies with mice and monkeys, Omalizumab:IgE complexes were eliminated by interactions with Fcy receptors within the RES at rates that were generally faster than IgG clearance. In asthma patients Omalizumab serum elimination half-life averaged 26 days, with apparent clearance averaging 2.4±1.1 mL/kg/day. In addition, doubling body weight approximately doubled apparent clearance.

Pharmacodynamics

In clinical studies, serum free IgE levels were reduced in a dose dependent manner within 1 hour following the first dose and maintained between doses. Mean serum free IgE decrease was greater than 96% using recommended doses. Serum total IgE levels (i.e., bound and unbound) increased after the first dose due to the formation of Omalizumab:IgE complexes, which have a slower elimination rate compared with free IgE. At 16 weeks after the first dose, average serum total IgE levels were five-fold higher compared with pre-treatment when using standard assays. After discontinuation of Xolair dosing, the Xolair-induced increase in total IgE and decrease in free IgE were reversible, with no observed rebound in IgE levels after drug washout. Total IgE levels did not return to pre-treatment levels for up to one year after discontinuation of Xolair.

Special Populations

The population pharmacokinetics of Xolair were analyzed to evaluate the effects of demographic characteristics. Analyses of these limited data suggest that no dose adjustments are necessary for age (12-76 years), race, ethnicity, or gender.

CLINICAL STUDIES

The safety and efficacy of Xolair were evaluated in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials.

The trials enrolled patients 12 to 76 years old, with moderate to severe persistent (NHLBI criteria) asthma for at least one year, and a positive skin test reaction to a perennial aeroallergen. At screening, patients in Studies 1 and 2 had a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) between 40% and 80% predicted, while in Study 3 there was no restriction on screening FEV1. All patients had a FEV1 improvement of at least 12% following beta-agonist administration. All patients were symptomatic and were being treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and short acting beta-agonists. In Study 3, long-acting beta-agonists were allowed. Study 3 patients were receiving at least 1000 µg/day fluticasone propionate and a subset was also receiving oral corticosteroids. Patients receiving other concomitant controller medications were excluded, and initiation of additional controller medications while on study was prohibited. Patients currently smoking were excluded.

Each study was comprised of a run-in period to achieve a stable conversion to a common ICS (beclomethasone dipropionate, for Studies 1 and 2; fluticasone propionate for Study 3), followed by randomization to Xolair or placebo. In Study 3, patients were stratified by use of ICS-only or ICS with concomitant use of oral steroids. Patients received Xolair for 16 weeks with an unchanged corticosteroid dose unless an acute exacerbation necessitated an increase. Patients then entered an ICS reduction phase of 12 weeks (Studies 1 and 2) or 16 weeks (Study 3) during which ICS (or oral steroid in Study 3 subset) dose reduction was attempted in a step-wise manner.

Xolair dosing was based on body weight and baseline serum total IgE concentration. All patients were required to have a baseline IgE between 30 and 700 IU/mL and body weight not more than 150 kg. Patients were treated according to a dosing table to administer at least 0.016 mg/kg/IU (IgE/mL) of Xolair or a matching volume of placebo over each 4-week period. The maximum Xolair dose per 4 weeks was 750 mg; patients who had a weight-IgE combination that yielded a dose greater than 750 mg were excluded from the studies. Patients who were to receive more than 300 mg within the 4-week period were administered half the total dose every 2 weeks.

The distribution of the number of asthma exacerbations per patient in each group during a study was analyzed separately for the stable steroid and steroid-reduction periods. In all three studies an exacerbation was defined as a worsening of asthma that required treatment with systemic corticosteroids or a doubling of the baseline ICS dose.

In both Studies 1 and 2 the number of exacerbations per patient was reduced in patients treated with Xolair compared with placebo (Table 1). In Study 3 the number of exacerbations in patients treated with Xolair was similar to that in placebo-treated patients (Table 2). The absence of an observed treatment effect in Study 3 may be related to differences in the patient population compared with Studies 1 and 2, study sample size, or other factors. In all three studies most exacerbations were managed in the out-patient setting and the majority were treated with systemic steroids. Hospitalization rates were not significantly different between Xolair and placebo-treated patients; however, the overall hospitalization rate was small. Among those patients who experienced an exacerbation, the distribution of exacerbation severity was similar between treatment groups.

Table 1

Frequency of Asthma Exacerbations per Patient by Phase in Studies 1 and 2

Table 2
Percentage of Patients with Asthma Exacerbations by Subgroup and Phase in Study 3

In all three of the studies, a reduction of asthma exacerbations was not observed in the Xolair-treated patients who had FEV1 > 80% at the time of randomization. Reductions in exacerbations were not seen in patients who required oral steroids as maintenance therapy.

In Studies 1 and 2 measures of airflow (FEV1) and asthma symptoms were evaluated (Table 3). The clinical relevance of the treatment-associated differences is unknown.

Table 3
Asthma Symptoms and Pulmonary Function During Stable Steroid Phase of Study 1

Results from the stable steroid phase of Study 2 and the steroid reduction phases of both Studies 1 and 2 were similar to those presented in Table 3.

MEDICATION GUIDE

XOLAIR®
(omalizumab)

IMPORTANT: XOLAIR SHOULD ALWAYS BE INJECTED IN YOUR DOCTOR'S OFFICE.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT XOLAIR?

A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis has happened in some patients after they received Xolair.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and can lead to death so get emergency medical treatment right away if symptoms occur.

Signs and Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
• low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, anxiety, or feeling of "impending doom"
• flushing, itching, hives, or feeling warm
• swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing

Get emergency medical treatment right away if you have signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis after receiving Xolair.

Anaphylaxis from Xolair can happen:

• right after receiving a Xolair injection or hours later
• after any Xolair injection. Anaphylaxis has occurred after the first Xolair injection or after many Xolair injections.

Your healthcare provider should watch you for some time in the office for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis after injecting Xolair. If you have signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, tell your healthcare provider right away.

Your healthcare provider should instruct you about getting emergency medical treatment and further medical care if you have signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis after leaving the doctor's office.

WHAT IS XOLAIR?

Xolair is an injectable medicine for patients ages 12 and older with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma whose asthma symptoms are not controlled by asthma medicines called inhaled corticosteroids. A skin or blood test is done to see if you have allergic asthma.

what else should I know about XOLAIR?

• You should not receive Xolair if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a Xolair injection.
• Do not change or stop taking any of your other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
• There are other possible side effects with Xolair. Talk to your doctor for more information. You can also go to www.xolair.com or call 1-866-4XOLAIR (1-866-496-5247).

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

OMALIZUMAB - INJECTION

(oh-mal-IZ-oo-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xolair

WARNING: This medication can cause a very serious (sometimes fatal) allergic reaction. In many cases, this type of reaction occurred after the first dose, but it can occur with any later doses. This type of reaction usually occurred within 24 hours or up to 4 days after receiving this medication. Your health care professional will monitor you closely during treatment for any signs of an allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if at any time you develop any signs of an allergic reaction including: trouble breathing, cough, chest tightness, rash, itching, swelling (especially of the throat, tongue), hives, dizziness.

If you have had an allergic reaction to omalizumab, you must never use omalizumab again.

USES: This medication is used to treat moderate to severe asthma in adults and children over 12 years of age. It works by blocking your immune system's natural response to allergic triggers that can lead to an acute asthma attack. This action on your immune system (specifically immunoglobulin E-IgE), helps keep your air passages open and, over time, it keeps your asthma in better control.

This medication does not work immediately and should not be used for the quick relief of an acute asthma attack.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using omalizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is injected under the skin (subcutaneously-SC) by a health care professional, usually every 2 or 4 weeks as directed by your doctor. Health care professionals must follow all the manufacturer's instructions for properly preparing and giving this drug. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration before using. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day of the week according to your schedule. It may take up to several months of continued use to see improvement in your condition.

The dosage is based on your body weight and blood level of IgE antibody, as well as your medical condition and response to therapy. Contact your doctor if you have a significant change in body weight during treatment. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

Do not stop any of your asthma medications without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse if your asthma drugs are abruptly stopped. Any decrease of your medications (e.g., corticosteroids) should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.

Injection site itching, redness, stinging, or pain may occur. Leg, arm or ear pain may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusual lumps/growths/moles.

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, swelling (especially of the tongue or throat), dizziness, chest tightness, cough, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using omalizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other medications for asthma.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store unopened vials in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Once a vial is mixed, use the solution within 8 hours when stored in the refrigerator, or within 4 hours when stored at room temperature. Keep vials away from direct sunlight. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.