Skip to main content
Frontiers in Pharmacology logoLink to Frontiers in Pharmacology
. 2026 Sep 24;17:1795193. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1795193

Omalizumab for pediatric allergic asthma: evidence-based insights on efficacy and safety from a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Jinbiao Han 1,2,3, Zhuan Zou 1,2, Shanshan Wu 1,2, Bin Chen 1,2,3,*
PMCID: PMC13646124  PMID: 42851480

Abstract

Objectives

This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize data from English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in patients aged 6–20 years with allergic asthma, with specific attention to age-stratified outcomes where feasible.

Methods

Conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this review followed a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD420251132811). Eligible studies were English-language RCTs involving predominantly pediatric and adolescent patients with allergic asthma; one included trial enrolled participants up to 20 years of age, but only 15 participants (0.8% of the total sample) were aged 18–20 years, and all remaining participants were <18 years. Studies compared omalizumab with control treatment (placebo or standard therapy). Efficacy outcomes included asthma exacerbations, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) scores. Safety outcomes encompassed treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), and asthma-related hospitalizations. Data were pooled using random-effects models where appropriate, with heterogeneity assessed via I2 statistics.

Results

Six RCTs involving 1,835 participants (omalizumab: 1,134; control: 701) aged 6–20 years were included. Omalizumab significantly reduced asthma exacerbations (relative risk RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79; I2 = 51.6%), SAEs (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.90; I2 = 43.1%), and hospitalizations (RR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22–0.56; I2 = 0.0%). No significant difference was found in TEAEs (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–1.01; I2 = 1.5%). Evidence regarding lung function and asthma control was limited and could not be quantitatively pooled.

Conclusion

Omalizumab is effective in reducing exacerbations, SAEs, and hospitalizations in pediatric and adolescent allergic asthma, with a favorable safety profile. Evidence regarding lung function and asthma control remains limited and should be interpreted cautiously. These findings support its use as an add-on therapy for moderate-to-severe disease inadequately controlled by standard treatments.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251132811, identifer CRD420251132811.

Keywords: adolescent, allergic asthma, meta-analysis, omalizumab, pediatric, randomized controlled trials

1. Introduction

Pediatric and adolescent allergic asthma is a pressing global public health challenge, affecting approximately 10%–15% of individuals under 18 years of age (Asher et al., 2006). The condition is associated with recurrent airflow limitation, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and chronic airway inflammation, leading to missed school days, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization (O'Connell, 2004; Yamasaki et al., 2020). Although standard therapies—including ICS, LABA, and leukotriene receptor antagonists—form the cornerstone of management, 20%–30% of patients with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma fail to achieve adequate disease control, highlighting a significant unmet therapeutic need (Humbert et al., 2005).

Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds free IgE, was introduced in the early 2000s as a targeted biologic for moderate-to-severe allergic asthma (Shen et al., 2025). By inhibiting IgE binding to high-affinity receptors (FcεRI) on mast cells and basophils, omalizumab reduces allergen-induced degranulation, inflammatory cytokine release, and airway remodeling—mechanisms particularly relevant in pediatric populations where IgE-mediated inflammation drives disease pathogenesis (Serrano-Candelas et al., 2015; Galli et al., 2025). Numerous RCTs have evaluated omalizumab in children and adolescents, but reported efficacy has varied, possibly due to differences in study design, patient characteristics, and outcome definitions (Núria et al., 2013). These inconsistencies underscore the need for a rigorous synthesis of evidence.

Previous meta-analyses on omalizumab in pediatric asthma have notable limitations, including the inclusion of non-English studies—which may introduce translation bias—and insufficient age-stratified reporting, thereby obscuring potential differences between children and adolescents (Cheng et al., 2023; Li et al., 2023; Li et al., 2024; Liao et al., 2024). Furthermore, few reviews have focused exclusively on English-language RCTs, which are widely accessed in international clinical decision-making due to standardized reporting (Liberati et al., 2009).

To address these gaps, this systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from English-language RCTs on the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in pediatric and adolescent allergic asthma, with explicit attention to age subgroups where data permit. The findings aim to inform clinical guidelines and support personalized treatment strategies.

2. Methods

2.1. Protocol registration and reporting guidelines

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in strict compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines (Moher et al., 2009). The study protocol was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD420251132811.

2.2. Eligibility criteria

Studies were selected based on the PICOS framework.

  • Population: Pediatric/adolescent patients (≤20 years) with physician-diagnosed allergic asthma, confirmed by skin prick test, elevated serum IgE, or clinical history. Studies including non-allergic asthma or patients >20 years were excluded.

  • Intervention: Omalizumab administered subcutaneously at any approved dose or interval.

  • Comparison: Placebo (with or without standard therapy) or active standard therapy (e.g., budesonide/formoterol).

  • Outcomes: Efficacy: asthma exacerbations, FEV1, % predicted, C-ACT scores. Safety: TEAEs, SAEs, asthma-related hospitalizations.

  • Study design: English-language RCTs (parallel-group preferred). Non-randomized, observational, and non-English studies were excluded.

2.3. Search strategy

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science without date restrictions, limited to English. Search terms included “pediatric asthma,” “adolescent asthma,” “omalizumab,” “anti-IgE,” and “randomized controlled trial.” Reference lists of relevant reviews and clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register) were also scanned. The detailed search strategy for Pubmed database is provided in the Supplementary Material (Supplementary Material).

2.4. Study selection and data extraction

Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus or third-reviewer consultation. A standardized form was used to extract study characteristics, participant data, and outcome measures.

2.5. Risk of bias assessment

The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (Higgins et al., 2011) was applied independently by two reviewers across seven domains: random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, blinding of outcome assessment, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting, and other bias.

2.6. Statistical analysis

Analyses were performed using Stata 18.0. Dichotomous outcomes were pooled as RRs with 95% CIs; continuous outcomes as SMDs. Heterogeneity was assessed via I2, with values >40% considered indicative of moderate heterogeneity (Migliavaca et al., 2022). Random-effects models were used throughout. Sensitivity analyses involved sequentially excluding each study. Pre-specified subgroup analyses by age (<12 vs. ≥12 years), baseline IgE level, and treatment duration could not be performed due to insufficient data (e.g., only one study included adolescents exclusively, and IgE thresholds varied across studies). These analyses are therefore not reported. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Study selection and characteristics

The literature search and screening process, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, identified six English-language RCTs (Milgrom et al., 2001; Lanier et al., 2009; Massanari et al., 2009; Kulus et al., 2010; Busse et al., 2011; Chen et al., 2023) that met all eligibility criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The flowchart shows the process of study selection (Figure 1). Studies were published between 2001 and 2023 and conducted across multiple countries. Participants were aged 6–20 years with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma; only 15 participants (0.8%) were aged 18–20 years in the Busse study, and all other participants were <18 years. Omalizumab dosing varied across studies, including subcutaneous fixed-dose regimens of 75–375 mg every 2–4 weeks, 75–375 mg every 1–2 months, and 150–600 mg as reported in the included trials, as well as individualized weight- and IgE-based regimens of at least 0.016 mg/kg per IU/mL IgE monthly or every 4 weeks. Control arms included placebo plus ICS/LABA or active comparator. Follow-up ranged from 16 to 60 weeks. Study characteristics are summarized in Table 1.

FIGURE 1.

Flowchart illustrating a study selection process for a meta-analysis: 1,658 records were identified, 743 duplicates removed, 915 screened, 869 excluded, 46 full-text articles assessed, 40 excluded for specified reasons, resulting in 6 studies included.

Flow chart of the literature search.

TABLE 1.

Baseline characteristics and primary results of included trials.

Author, year Location Sample Age (year) Asthma severity Interventions Control Duration (week) Outcome
Busse et al. (2011) USA 208/211 6-20 Allergic asthma SC 75–375 mg q2–4wk Placebo + basic treatment 60 ①②③④⑤⑥
Chen et al. (2023) China 44/44 6-11 Moderate to severe SC 150–600 mg qd
Budesonide/formoterol inhalation therapy 16 ②③④
Kulus et al. (2010) Multiple countries 159/76 6-12 Severe persistent SC 75–375 mg q1–2mo Placebo + high-dose ICS + LABA 52 ①④⑤⑥
Lanier et al. (2009) USA, Poland 421/207 6-12 Moderate to severe persistent SC 75–375 mg q2–4wk Placebo + ICS 52 ①④⑥
Massanari et al. (2009) USA 76/70 12-17 Moderate to severe SC (min. 0.016 mg/kg/(IU/mL IgE) monthly) + ICS Placebo + baseline treatment 28 ④⑤⑥
Milgrom et al. (2001) USA 225/109 6-12 Moderate to severe SC (min. 0.016 mg/kg/(IU/mL IgE) q4wk) + BDP Placebo + BDP 28 ①④⑤⑥

Abbreviations: BDP: beclomethasone dipropionate; ICS: inhaled corticosteroids; LABA: long-acting β₂ agonists; SC: subcutaneous injection. Outcome: ① = Exacerbation; ② = FEV1; ③ = C-CAT; ④ = TMAEs; ⑤ = SAEs; ⑥ = Hospitalization.

3.2. Risk of bias assessment

Using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, we assessed seven bias domains for included studies (summarized in Figures 2, 3). Most studies demonstrated low risk in blinding and outcome reporting. Some unclear risks were noted in randomization and allocation concealment due to insufficient methodological detail.

FIGURE 2.

Bar chart showing risks of bias across seven study domains. All domains show predominantly green for low risk, except random sequence generation and allocation concealment, which include substantial yellow for unclear risk. No high risk detected. Legend explains color codes.

Risk of bias graph.

FIGURE 3.

Risk of bias summary table showing six studies as rows and seven types of bias as columns. Green circles with plus signs indicate low risk, yellow circles with question marks indicate unclear risk. Most studies show low risk for blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting, and other bias; some studies have unclear risk for random sequence generation or allocation concealment.

Risk of bias summary.

3.3. Efficacy outcomes

Four RCTs reported asthma exacerbations. Omalizumab significantly reduced the risk of exacerbations compared with control interventions (relative risk RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79; I2 = 51.6%; Figure 4). For FEV1 and C-ACT scores, quantitative pooling was not performed because only two studies reported these outcomes and substantial clinical and statistical heterogeneity was present, including differences in comparator type and outcome reporting. Therefore, these outcomes were summarized narratively. Overall, the available evidence suggested that omalizumab may improve lung function and asthma control; however, the certainty of these findings is limited by the small number of studies and heterogeneity across trials.

FIGURE 4.

Forest plot graphic summarizing four studies and overall meta-analysis, displaying relative risk (RR) and ninety-five percent confidence intervals favoring intervention. Overall pooled RR is zero point six six with moderate heterogeneity.

Forest plot of exacerbation.

3.4. Safety outcomes

No significant difference was found in TEAEs (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–1.01; I2 = 1.5%; Figure 5). Omalizumab reduced SAEs (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35–0.90; I2 = 43.1%; Figure 6) and hospitalizations (RR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22–0.56; I2 = 0.0%; Figure 7).

FIGURE 5.

Forest plot graphic displaying six studies with risk ratios and confidence intervals, including weight percentages. The overall estimate is 0.96 with a 95 percent confidence interval of 0.92 to 1.01, I-squared equals 1.5 percent, p equals 0.407.

Forest plot of TEAEs.

FIGURE 6.

Forest plot showing relative risk estimates with ninety-five percent confidence intervals for four studies and one overall estimate. The overall relative risk is zero point five six, confidence interval zero point three five to zero point nine zero, with a weight of one hundred percent. Individual study estimates are listed with corresponding weights and confidence intervals.

Forest plot of SAEs.

FIGURE 7.

Forest plot showing results from five studies, each with a black square representing the risk ratio and horizontal lines for 95 percent confidence intervals. The pooled overall risk ratio is 0.35 with a 95 percent confidence interval of 0.22 to 0.56, displayed as a diamond shape. Weights for each study are listed, and heterogeneity is low with I-squared equal to 0.0 percent and p equal to 0.626.

Forest plot of hospitalization.

3.5. Sensitivity analyses

Sensitivity analyses, performed by iteratively excluding each study, confirmed the overall direction of effect for asthma exacerbations, with recalculated RRs ranging from 0.49 (95% CI: 0.36–0.67) to 0.84 (95% CI: 0.69–1.02) and the effect direction remaining unchanged (Supplementary Figure S1). However, the upper confidence limit crossed the null when Lanier et al., 2009 was excluded, suggesting that the estimate should be interpreted with some caution given the limited number of studies. Similarly, for hospitalization, the RRs varied between 0.13 (95% CI: 0.04–0.41) and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.38–1.04; Supplementary Figure S2), consistently favoring omalizumab. Analyses of TEAEs (Supplementary Figure S3), and SAEs (Supplementary Figure S4) also indicated no influential outliers.

3.6. Publication bias

For the exacerbation outcome (four studies), visual inspection of the funnel plot (Supplementary Figure S5) showed some asymmetry. Egger’s test (p = 0.097) and Begg’s test (p = 0.089) were not statistically significant. However, given the small number of studies, these tests have low power, and no firm conclusion on publication bias can be drawn.

4. Discussion

The present meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from six English-language RCTs to evaluate omalizumab?s efficacy and safety in pediatric and adolescent patients with allergic asthma-a population where standard therapies often fail to achieve adequate control. Our findings demonstrate that omalizumab significantly reduces asthma exacerbations, SAEs, and hospitalizations without increasing TEAEs. Evidence regarding lung function (FEV1) and asthma control (C-ACT) was limited and was summarized narratively rather than pooled quantitatively. Overall, these findings support omalizumab?s role as a safe and effective add-on therapeutic option for this vulnerable group, while indicating that lung function and asthma control outcomes require further confirmation.

Our pooled estimate for exacerbation reduction (RR 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55-0.79) aligns with previous meta-analyses, though with critical distinctions. Lang et al. (Li et al., 2023) included seven RCTs (including non-English studies) and reported a similar RR of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.35–0.85), but did not stratify by age—masking potential differences between children and adolescents. Only one study (Massanari et al., 2009) focused exclusively on adolescents (12–17 years), in that trial, no exacerbations were recorded in either arm, making it impossible to estimate a relative risk or perform a formal subgroup comparison with younger children. Despite this, adolescent asthma remains associated with poorer treatment adherence and higher exacerbation risk (Anderson et al., 2024), highlighting a potential role for omalizumab in this age group based on the broader evidence.

For lung function and asthma control outcomes, the available evidence was limited. Only two studies reported FEV1 and C-ACT scores, and these studies differed substantially in comparator type and outcome reporting. Therefore, we did not perform quantitative pooling or report pooled effect estimates for these outcomes. Although the individual studies generally suggested potential improvements with omalizumab, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in future well-designed trials using standardized outcome measures.

In terms of safety, our finding of no increased TEAEs risk (RR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92–1.01) is consistent with the global safety profile of omalizumab, which has been shown to have a similar adverse event profile to placebo in pediatric populations (Fenu et al., 2023). The significant reduction in SAEs (RR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35–0.90) and hospitalizations (RR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.22–0.56) is particularly impactful, as these outcomes are key drivers of healthcare costs and patient morbidity (Jacobs et al., 2022). Notably, the zero heterogeneity in hospitalization results (I2 = 0.0%) suggests a consistent protective effect of omalizumab across studies—even those with varying follow-up durations and control arms.

Omalizumab’s efficacy in our analysis can be attributed to its targeted mechanism of action: binding to free IgE and preventing FcεRI cross-linking on mast cells and basophils (Kaplan et al., 2017; Pelaia et al., 2018). In pediatric allergic asthma, IgE levels correlate with disease severity and exacerbation risk (Haselkorn et al., 2010; Aziz et al., 2023), making anti-IgE therapy a rational choice. Additionally, omalizumab reduces eosinophilic airway inflammation—a key feature of uncontrolled asthma—by inhibiting IgE-mediated recruitment of eosinophils (Busse et al., 2020; Yan et al., 2023). This mechanism may explain the observed improvements in FEV1 and C-ACT scores, as reduced inflammation translates to better airflow and symptom control.

Notably, two of our included studies used weight- and IgE-tailored doses of omalizumab (Milgrom et al., 2001; Massanari et al., 2009), which are now recommended in clinical guidelines to optimize efficacy (Menzella et al., 2023). While our meta-analysis did not formally compare fixed vs. tailored dosing, the consistent efficacy across studies suggests that both approaches may be effective—though future studies should explore whether tailored dosing improves outcomes in specific subgroups (e.g., low IgE, young children).

Our findings have important implications for clinical practice and guideline development. First, omalizumab’s ability to reduce exacerbations and hospitalizations supports its use in children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma who are uncontrolled on ICS/LABA—a population currently identified as a priority in GINA (Venkatesan, 2025). Second, because age-stratified analyses could not be performed, no conclusions about age-related differences in efficacy can be drawn. Additional age-stratified trials are needed. Third, the safety profile of omalizumab—particularly the absence of increased TEAEs—may alleviate concerns among clinicians and caregivers about biologic therapy in pediatric populations. While anaphylaxis is a rare but serious adverse event associated with omalizumab, none of our included studies reported anaphylaxis cases, consistent with its low incidence (Cox et al., 2007). This, combined with the reduction in SAEs, positions omalizumab as a favorable option for long-term management.

Despite methodological rigor, our study has several limitations. First, only six RCTs were included, limiting statistical power for subgroup analyses (e.g., IgE levels, comorbid atopic dermatitis). This is partly due to our focus on English-language studies, which excluded potentially relevant non-English RCTs-though this choice minimized translation bias and improved generalizability to global clinical practice (Dobrescu et al., 2021; Konno et al., 2020). Second, FEV1 and C-ACT outcomes were reported by only two studies and showed substantial clinical and statistical heterogeneity; therefore, these outcomes were summarized narratively rather than pooled quantitatively. Third, most studies included children aged ≥ 6 years, with no data on children <6 years-a population with unmet needs, as ICS adherence is particularly challenging in toddlers (Vasbinder et al., 2016; Bach et al., 2022); only one study focused exclusively on adolescents. This limits generalizability to adolescents and younger children. Fourth, follow-up durations varied from 16 to 60 weeks, with no long-term (≥ 1 year) data on omalizumab?s efficacy or safety-critical for assessing sustained benefits and potential late adverse events (e.g., immunogenicity). Fifth, although one study (Busse et al., 2011) enrolled participants up to 20 years of age, only 15 individuals (0.8%) were aged 18–20 years; this small number does not materially affect the pediatric focus of our findings, but it is a deviation from the strict <18 years criterion and is noted as a limitation. Sixth, the included studies used either fixed doses (75–375 mg) or weight/IgE-based dosing. Both appeared effective, but current guidelines favour individualized dosing based on IgE and body weight. Without head-to-head comparisons, optimal dosing remains uncertain. Future research should examine whether tailored dosing benefits specific subgroups, including children with low IgE or younger age. Seventh, our restriction to English-language RCTs may limit generalizability to non-Western pediatric populations, where disease prevalence, allergen profiles, and healthcare systems differ. However, this approach minimized translation bias and ensured consistency in outcome reporting. Finally, some studies had unclear risk of bias for allocation concealment or blinding, which may have introduced subtle biases in outcome reporting.

Future studies should address these limitations by: (1) conducting large, multicenter RCTs of omalizumab in children <6 years to fill the age gap in current evidence; (2) evaluating long-term (≥2 years) efficacy and safety to inform sustained treatment decisions; (3) exploring subgroup effects of baseline IgE levels, comorbid allergies, and adherence to identify patients most likely to benefit from omalizumab; and (4) including non-English studies in future meta-analyses (with rigorous translation and quality assessment) to expand generalizability. Additionally, real-world studies are needed to complement RCT data, as they better reflect routine clinical practice (e.g., diverse patient populations, comorbidities) and can assess long-term outcomes such as QoL and healthcare costs.

5. Conclusion

This meta-analysis supports omalizumab as an effective and safe add-on therapy for moderate-to-severe pediatric and adolescent allergic asthma inadequately controlled by standard treatments. The results provide evidence for clinical guideline updates and personalized management approaches.

Acknowledgments

We thank the investigators and participants of the included trials.

Funding Statement

The author(s) declared that financial support was received for this work and/or its publication. Sichuan Province Maternal and Child Medical Science and Technology Innovation Project (2024FX14).

Edited by: Fiorentina Roviezzo, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Reviewed by: Giulia Costanzo, University of Cagliari, Italy

Ida Cerqua, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Natalia Rodríguez Otero, Mediclinic City Hospital, United Arab Emirates

Abbreviations: RCTs, Randomized controlled trials; PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PROSPERO, International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; PICOS, Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study design; IgE, Immunoglobulin E; Fc?RI, High-affinity IgE receptor; ICS, Inhaled corticosteroids; LABA, Long-acting beta-agonists; FEV1, Forced expiratory volume in 1 s; C-ACT, Childhood Asthma Control Test; TEAEs, Treatment-emergent adverse events; SAEs, Serious adverse events; RR, Relative risk; CI, Confidence interval; SMD, Standardized mean difference; MD, Mean difference.

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Author contributions

JH: Supervision, Conceptualization, Writing – review and editing, Visualization, Funding acquisition. ZZ: Validation, Supervision, Project administration, Writing – review and editing, Methodology, Investigation, Conceptualization, Visualization, Software. SW: Formal Analysis, Validation, Project administration, Software, Writing – review and editing, Conceptualization. BC: Visualization, Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review and editing, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Validation.

Conflict of interest

The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The author(s) declared that generative AI was not used in the creation of this manuscript.

Any alternative text (alt text) provided alongside figures in this article has been generated by Frontiers with the support of artificial intelligence and reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, including review by the authors wherever possible. If you identify any issues, please contact us.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2026.1795193/full#supplementary-material

Image3.jpeg (532.6KB, jpeg)
Table1.docx (12.8KB, docx)
Image1.jpeg (515.2KB, jpeg)
Image4.jpeg (505.5KB, jpeg)
Image2.jpeg (520.5KB, jpeg)
Image5.jpeg (195.9KB, jpeg)

References

  1. Anderson W. C., Baptist A. P., Eakin M. N., Federman A., Murphy V. E. (2024). Adherence challenges and strategies in specific groups with asthma: adolescents, pregnancy, and older adults. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. Pract. 12 (12), 3216–3222. 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.07.031 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Asher M. I., Montefort S., Björkstén B., Lai C. K., Strachan D. P., Weiland S. K., et al. (2006). Worldwide time trends in the prevalence of symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in childhood: ISAAC phases one and three repeat multicountry cross-sectional surveys. Lancet 368 (9537), 733–743. 10.1016/s0140-6736(06)69283-0 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Aziz D. A., Bajwa R. A., Omar M., Viquar W. (2023). Immunoglobulin ige levels and clinical dynamics of asthma in children and adolescents. J. Ayub Med. Coll. Abbottabad 35 (Suppl. 1), S752–s756. 10.55519/jamc-s4-12394 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Bach L. M., Rubak S., Holm-Weber A., Prahl J., Hermansen M., Hansen K. S., et al. (2022). Risk factors for non-adherence to inhaled corticosteroids in preschool children with asthma. Child. (Basel) 10 (1), 43. 10.3390/children10010043 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Busse W. W., Morgan W. J., Gergen P. J., Mitchell H. E., Gern J. E., Liu A. H., et al. (2011). Randomized trial of omalizumab (anti-IgE) for asthma in inner-city children. N. Engl. J. Med. 364 (11), 1005–1015. 10.1056/NEJMoa1009705 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Busse W. W., Humbert M., Haselkorn T., Ortiz B., Trzaskoma B. L., Stephenson P., et al. (2020). Effect of omalizumab on lung function and eosinophil levels in adolescents with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. Ann. Allergy, Asthma & Immunol. 124 (2), 190–196. 10.1016/j.anai.2019.11.016 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. Cheng L., Yang T., Ma X., Han Y., Wang Y. (2023). Effectiveness and safety studies of omalizumab in children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe asthma. J. Pharmacol. Practice. 36 (2), 370–382. 10.1177/08971900211038251 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Chen F., Li L., Chen F. F., Li C., Xu C. (2023). Effects of omalizumab combined with budesonide formoterol on clinical efficacy, pulmonary function, immune function, and adverse reactions in children with moderate and severe allergic asthma. Allergologia Immunopathol. 51 (4), 182–188. 10.15586/aei.v51i4.926 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Cox L., Platts-Mills T. A. E., Finegold I., Schwartz L. B., Simons F. E. R., Wallace D. V. (2007). American academy of allergy, asthma & immunology/american college of allergy, asthma and immunology joint task force report on omalizumab-associated anaphylaxis. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 120 (6), 1373–1377. 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.09.032 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Dobrescu A. I., Nussbaumer-Streit B., Klerings I., Wagner G., Persad E., Sommer I., et al. (2021). Restricting evidence syntheses of interventions to english-language publications is a viable methodological shortcut for Most medical topics: a systematic review. J. Clin. Epidemiol. 137, 209–217. 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.04.012 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Fenu G., La Tessa A., Calogero C., Lombardi E. (2023). Severe pediatric asthma therapy: omalizumab-asystematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy and safety profile. Front. Pediatr. 10, 1033511. 10.3389/fped.2022.1033511 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Galli S. J., Bianchini S., Collin M. E., Anthony R. M. (2025). Glycobiology of IgE. Immunol. Rev. 331 (1), e70032. 10.1111/imr.70032 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Haselkorn T., Szefler S. J., Simons F. E., Zeiger R. S., Mink D. R., Chipps B. E., et al. (2010). Allergy, total serum immunoglobulin E, and airflow in children and adolescents in TENOR. Pediatr. Allergy Immunol. 21 (8), 1157–1165. 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2010.01065.x [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Higgins J. P. T., Altman D. G., Gøtzsche P. C., Jüni P., Moher D., Oxman A. D., et al. (2011). The cochrane collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. BMJ 343, d5928. 10.1136/bmj.d5928 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Humbert M., Beasley R., Ayres J., Slavin R., Hébert J., Bousquet J., et al. (2005). Benefits of omalizumab as add-on therapy in patients with severe persistent asthma who are inadequately controlled despite best available therapy (GINA 2002 step 4 treatment): INNOVATE. Allergy 60 (3), 309–316. 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00772.x [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Jacobs K., Roman E., Lambert J., Moke L., Scheys L., Kesteloot K., et al. (2022). Variability drivers of treatment costs in hospitals: a systematic review. Health Policy 126 (2), 75–86. 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.12.004 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Kaplan A. P., Giménez-Arnau A. M., Saini S. S. (2017). Mechanisms of action that contribute to efficacy of omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergy 72 (4), 519–533. 10.1111/all.13083 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Konno K., Akasaka M., Koshida C., Katayama N., Osada N., Spake R., et al. (2020). Ignoring non-english-language studies may bias ecological meta-analyses. Ecol. Evol. 10 (13), 6373–6384. 10.1002/ece3.6368 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Kulus M., H?bert J., Garcia E., Fowler Taylor A., Fernandez Vidaurre C., Blogg M. (2010). Omalizumab in children with inadequately controlled severe allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma. Curr. Med. Res. Opin. 26 (6), 1285–1293. 10.1185/03007991003771338 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Lanier B., Bridges T., Kulus M., Taylor A. F., Berhane I., Vidaurre C. F. (2009). Omalizumab for the treatment of exacerbations in children with inadequately controlled allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 124 (6), 1210–1216. 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.09.021 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Li D., Li Z., Li D. (2023). Safety and tolerability of omalizumab in children with allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Discov. Med. 35 (176), 233–241. 10.24976/Discov.Med.202335176.24 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Li J., Yang K., Zhang Q., Yang Q., Chen Z., Zhang P., et al. (2024). Advanced biologic therapies in the management of asthma in children and adolescents: a comprehensive network meta-analysis. Int. Archives Allergy Immunol. 186 (8), 733–746. 10.1159/000542797 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Liao J., Tang J., Jiang Y., Wang Y., Ding J., Huang Y. (2024). “Effects of omalizumab on lung function in patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” in Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease 18. 10.1177/17534666231221771 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Liberati A., Altman D. G., Tetzlaff J., Mulrow C., G?tzsche P. C., Ioannidis J. P. A., et al. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: explanation and elaboration. BMJ 339, b2700. 10.1136/bmj.b2700 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Massanari M., Holgate S. T., Pollard S. J., Misra R. J., Kianifard F., Fowler-Taylor A., et al. (2009). Adding omalizumab to the therapy of adolescents with persistent uncontrolled moderate-severe allergic asthma. Clin. Pediatr. 48 (8), 859–865. 10.1177/0009922809339054 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. Menzella F., Just J., Sauerbeck I. S., Mailaender C., Saccheri F., Thonnelier C., et al. (2023). Omalizumab for the treatment of patients with severe allergic asthma with immunoglobulin E levels above >1500 IU/mL. World Allergy Organ J. 16 (6), 100787. 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100787 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Migliavaca C. B., Stein C., Colpani V., Barker T. H., Ziegelmann P. K., Munn Z., et al. (2022). Meta-analysis of prevalence: I(2) statistic and how to deal with heterogeneity. Res. Synth. Methods 13 (3), 363–367. 10.1002/jrsm.1547 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Milgrom H., Berger W., Nayak A., Gupta N., Pollard S., McAlary M., et al. (2001). Treatment of childhood asthma with anti-immunoglobulin E antibody (omalizumab). Pediatrics 108 (2), e36. 10.1542/peds.108.2.e36 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Moher D., Liberati A., Tetzlaff J., Altman D. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med. 6 (7), 1000097. 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Núria P. Z., Dolors C. S., Nadia M. C., Anna F. S., Ramon J. M. J. F. H. (2013). Retrospective analysis of omalizumab in patients with severe allergic asthma. 37(5). 10.7399/fh.2013.37.5.728 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. O'Connell E. J. (2004). The burden of atopy and asthma in children. Allergy 59 (78), 7–11. 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00563.x [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Pelaia C., Calabrese C., Terracciano R., de Blasio F., Vatrella A., Pelaia G. (2018). Omalizumab, the first available antibody for biological treatment of severe asthma: more than a decade of real-life effectiveness. Ther. Adv. Respir. Dis. 12, 1753466618810192. 10.1177/1753466618810192 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Serrano-Candelas E., Mart?nez-Aranguren R., Valero A., Bartra J., Gastaminza G., Goikoetxea M. J., et al. (2015). Comparable actions of omalizumab on mast cells and basophils. Clin. & Exp. Allergy 46 (1), 92–102. 10.1111/cea.12668 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. Shen W., Zhou Q., Zhang Q., Han L., Chen L., Li X., et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of omalizumab combined with allergen immunotherapy in children with moderate to severe allergic asthma. Int. Forum Allergy Rhinol. 15 (2), 208–211. 10.1002/alr.23470 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. Vasbinder E. C., Belitser S. V., Souverein P. C., van Dijk L., Vulto A. G., van den Bemt P. M. (2016). Non-adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and the risk of asthma exacerbations in children. Patient Prefer Adherence 10, 531–538. 10.2147/ppa.S92824 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. Venkatesan P. (2025). 2025 GINA report for asthma. Lancet Respir. Med. 13 (8), e41–e42. 10.1016/S2213-2600(25)00242-5 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Yamasaki A., Burks C. A., Bhattacharyya N. (2020). Cognitive and quality of life-related burdens of illness in pediatric allergic airway disease. Otolaryngol. Head. Neck Surg. 162 (4), 566–571. 10.1177/0194599820908202 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. Yan H., Sun L., Ni Y., Du J., Liu D., Wang P., et al. (2023). Effective omalizumab treatment influenced eosinophil function in severe allergic asthmatics. J. Thorac. Dis. 15 (6), 3115–3125. 10.21037/jtd-22-1818 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Image3.jpeg (532.6KB, jpeg)
Table1.docx (12.8KB, docx)
Image1.jpeg (515.2KB, jpeg)
Image4.jpeg (505.5KB, jpeg)
Image2.jpeg (520.5KB, jpeg)
Image5.jpeg (195.9KB, jpeg)

Data Availability Statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.


Articles from Frontiers in Pharmacology are provided here courtesy of Frontiers Media SA

RESOURCES