Pediatric allergic diseases and molecular targeting drugs

Abstract

In 2013, the age limit for omalizumab for bronchial asthma was reduced to 6 years old and above, and the age of molecular targeting drugs has arrived in the pediatric allergy area. Currently, three drugs, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab, are available in pediatrics for bronchial asthma and one, omalizumab, for chronic urticaria and allergic rhinitis. All the drugs are expensive and must be used properly in appropriate cases. It is important to understand the mechanism of action and characteristics of each drug based on basic knowledge of immunology. In addition, in selecting an appropriate drug, it is essential to consider not only such medical and scientific aspects but also healthcare aspects such as injection pain and administration intervals. There are many other issues to be resolved, such as drug discontinuation criteria, long-term prognosis, and medical economics, and further clinical researches are urgently needed.