Technology evaluation: omalizumab, Genentech/Novartis/Tanox.

Genentech, Novartis and Tanox have co-developed Genentech's anti-IgE humanized monoclonal antibody omalizumab for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The antibody is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials for allergic rhinitis in Canada and phase III clinical trials for both indications in Japan. Omalizumab is at the pre-registration stage for both indications in the US, New Zealand, Switzerland and Western Europe, and is currently registered for both indications in Australia.