Which medication reduces corticosteroid requirements by decreasing free-circulating IgE in asthma patients?

Omalizumab is an injectable monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and binds to immunoglobulin E (IgE). In asthma patients, elevated levels of free-circulating IgE can contribute to airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. By binding to IgE, omalizumab reduces the amount of free IgE that is available to bind to its receptors on mast cells and basophils, which is a critical step in the allergic response and subsequent asthma exacerbations.

As a result of this action, there is a decrease in the inflammatory mediators produced, leading to improved asthma control and a reduced need for corticosteroids to manage the condition. Omalizumab is particularly effective in patients with moderate to severe asthma who have persistent symptoms despite standard treatments.

In contrast, other medications listed, such as prednisone, montelukast, and salmeterol, work through different mechanisms and do not primarily target IgE. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation, montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that aims to decrease bronchoconstriction and inflammation, and salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that helps to relax airway muscles. Therefore, omalizumab stands