This Rapid Response Report from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) looks at the clinical and cost-effectiveness of omalizumab for the treatment of allergic asthma in adults and adolescents.  Evidence-based guidelines and recommendations regarding the use of this technology are also discussed. 

The summary states that the evidence suggests that omalizumab decreases the risk of asthma exacerbations in patients with allergic asthma inadequately controlled by standard therapies who are not responsive to other therapies.  It was found by most studies to be cost-effective due to the health benefits achieved, and guidelines recommend that it be administered to patients older than twelve years of age for the treatment of severe persistent allergic asthma.  Please see the link below for further details.

 
The Rapid Response Service is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care in Canada. Rapid responses are based on a limited literature search and are not comprehensive, systematic reviews. The intent is to provide a list of sources of the best evidence on the topic that CADTH could identify using all reasonable efforts within the time allowed. Rapid responses should be considered along with other types of information and health care considerations.