Life-changing asthma drug given approval by NICE

Devon residents, among which there is reported to be a higher than average number of people living with asthma, will be thrilled to hear that NICE issued positive guidance supporting the use of a medication called Xolair® (omalizumab) for patients with severe, persistent allergic asthma.

Following this announcement all eligible patients including, for the first time, children aged six years and above, should now have no barriers to receiving omalizumab, a life-changing medicine for the treatment of severe allergic asthma.

The announcement that Omalizumab will now be available comes after NICE realised its life changing capabilities for those with severe asthma. Visits to A&E and unexpected trips to GPs were lowered when a patient (adults and children) was given access to the drug.

People who could benefit from omalizumab have severe allergic asthma with an increased risk of mortality. Omalizumab has been shown to reduce asthma exacerbations by 54%, hospital admissions by 61% and overnight hospital stays by 70% following one year of treatment.

The availability of the drug will be a relief to those who currently take oral corticosteroid (OCS) therapy, which is the other main treatment for severe allergic asthma. OCS is associated with long-term side effects such as weight gain, hypertension, osteoporosis and depression.

A huge number of people in The UK suffer with asthma, and a minority also suffer from severe allergic asthma. Both these conditions put a huge financial strain on the NHS, which will now be party lifted by the news that omalizumab is to become readily available to patients.

People with severe asthma also suffer from extreme personal stress and fear that they may have an attack at any minute.

Click here for more information on asthma and the medication available or visit your GP.