The Effect of Xolair (Omalizumab) on Allergy Blood Cells

The Effect of Xolair (Omalizumab) on Inhibiting Leukotriene and Cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) Release From Blood Basophils

We are studying Xolair (omalizumab) to see it's effect on allergic blood cells. The blood tests will be done in a test tube to see if they react differently before and after treatment. The blood cells will be mixed with to whatever the person is allergic.

Must be allergic-asthma with IgE between 30 and 700 IU/ml.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 2 year history of ragweed allergic rhinitis
• positive skin prick tests to ragweed >5 mm wheal diameter
• serum IgE <700 iU/m

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of prohibited medications (e.g. antihistamine in past 7 days and topical or oral corticosteroids in past 1 month, beta-agonist or theophylline for 1 week
• History of immunotherapy in the past 2 years
• Exposure to Omalizumab in the past 2 years
• Clinically significant non-allergic or perennial rhinitis to avoid mediator release due to environmental allergens
• Asthma other than mild intermittent
• Women of childbearing potential who are not on an accepted form of birth control, as well as women who are breastfeeding
• Known sensitivity to study drug Xolair
• Patients with severe medical condition(s) that in the view of the investigator prohibits participation in the study
• Patients with a previous history of cancer
• Use of any other investigational agent in the last 30 days