9/18/2012 62 year old white female with refractory chronic idiopathic urticaria onset age 50. On high dose cetirizine (20mg bid), theophylline and prednisone 10mg qod. She has been taking Prednisone since 12/'10. Have tried cyclosporin, sulfasalazine, and Singulair - all ineffective. Are you aware of any current studies using omalizumab for refractory urticaria? She would be interested in participating in a clinical trial if one is available. Her serum IgE is 71 IU/ml. Besides her chronic urticaria, she has Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and rosacea.

Thank you for your inquiry.

As you know, omalizumab has been used successfully, as reported on several occasions, for the treatment of resistant chronic idiopathic urticaria. There is at least one active trial still recruiting according to http://clinicaltrials.gov. There are other trials which may be recruiting. Here is the link to the omalizumab trials subsection.

Thank you again for your inquiry and we hope this response is helpful to you.

Sincerely,
Phil Lieberman, M.D.