OBJECTIVE: Omalizumab is effective as an add-on drug to treat severe persistent allergic asthma. However, delayed hypersensitivity reactions to omalizumab may deprive patients of its use. Rapid subcutaneous desensitization could be a solution.
METHODS: A 61-year-old man developed a delayed allergy to omalizumab after the first injection. A 14-step desensitization procedure was applied to the patient and was successful.
CONCLUSIONS: Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to omalizumab are rare, but they may cause the interruption of drug usage. Desensitization to omalizumab could be a possible solution.