It is tedious and time-consuming. They also are focusing on one apparent culprit, an immune system gene that thwarts the production of interferon, a key immune cell. When the body doesn't make enough interferon, the immune system overcompensates. Stop the overproduction of IgE, some researchers believe, and they will ease the asthma. Future asthmatics could be identified through genetic testing and treated in infancy with a vaccine.
Asthmatics can expect to hear more about IgE in the near future.
Genentech Inc., a California biotech firm, and pharmaceutical giant Novartis hope to win federal approval this summer for a drug called Xolair, designed to treat asthma and seasonal allergies by reducing levels of IgE. Last year, the company reported that results from its clinical trials were promising. Xolair is designed to act much earlier in the chain of allergic events. Asthmatics and their doctors rely on a large stable of highly effective daily and emergency medications. Most people with moderate or severe asthma take an inhaled steroid once or twice a day to reduce the underlying inflammation of their lungs, then use a fast-acting inhaler, such as albuterol, to ease attacks. Because these work so well, pharmaceutical firms are seeking easier ways for people to take them, which they hope will make their drugs more appealing, said Alisa Diecidue, administrator of the Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Clinical Research Unit at USF, which tests asthma medications.