A research team, led by Janet Fairley, M.D., at the University of Iowa, is investigating the role of IgE-type antibodies in bullous pemphigoid. Most of the previous work in pemphigoid has focused on IgG antibodies and while the presence of IgE in pemphigoid has been known for many years, Fairley and her group have recently shown that the IgE antibodies contribute to lesion formation in pemphigoid.
Based on these finding, the group has initiated a trial studying the safety and effectiveness of omalizumab (Xolair), an anti-IgE medication, in bullous pemphigoid. Omalizumab is currently approved for the treatment of asthma and the hope is that in pemphigoid it will minimize or eliminate the need for steroids
This trial is truly translational research that aims to bring findings from the laboratory into the clinical setting in order to improve patient care. The pilot trial will compare the use of omalizumab to standard prednisone treatment in 12 patients and will last for 24 weeks. Carrying out the trial at the University of Iowa will be greatly facilitated by the fact that Iowa is one of 24 institutions in the nation recently awarded a $33.8M Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA). These awards are designed to help researchers bring new diagnostic methods and treatments to patients by assisting in the design, execution and data analysis of research studies. Genentech will be providing the medication for patients in the trial.
Patients are still being recruited for the study and may contact Deb Brandt at 319-353-6439 or debra-brandt@uiowa.edu. The IPPF encourages you to support this important clinical trial work.
