Analysis of questionnaire survey to determine worldwide trends in prescriptions of biologics for the treatment of unresponsive chronic urticaria

Abstract

BackgroundChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common condition treated by allergist/immunologists, but the only FDA-approved biologic medication, omalizumab, may be underutilized globally. ObjectiveThis study was performed to determine the global prescription of omalizumab for treatment of CSU by allergists/immunologists. MethodsAnonymous questionnaire surveys were distributed online to World Allergy Organization (WAO) members worldwide. Categorical data were analyzed for descriptive analysis using one-way frequency tabulation in SAS 9.4. ResultsThere were 348 respondents (43 missing data); Average age 51 (range 28–90); M/F 48%/52%. 58% had > 15 years of clinical experience and 10% < 5; 42% worked in private clinics, 36% public hospitals, 24% academia, 18% private hospitals, and 4% in community practice. Eighty-two percent (82%) prescribed omalizumab for CSU patients and use of omalizumab was highest among young practitioners. The most significant barriers were cost (63%) and restricted formulary (24%). Drug safety (63%) and chances of adverse events (47%) were the most significant factors deciding treatment. Twenty-two percent (22%) reported 80–100% of CSU patients were complete responders to omalizumab; 34% preferred increasing frequency (q 2-weeks), and 18% preferred increasing dose (600 mg q 4-weeks) for partial or non-responders. UAS7, UCT, and CU-QoL were used to assess CSU by 55%, 29%, and 25% of respondents, respectively. Autoimmune thyroid disease (62%), thyroid abnormality (43%) and allergic rhinitis (35%) were the most frequent comorbidities reported. ConclusionsMost clinicians favored omalizumab over other potential treatments due to safety. Although younger clinicians were more likely to prescribe omalizumab, cost and formulary access were major barriers. Only 22% of respondents reported 80% or greater of their patients had complete response to omalizumab, indicating the need for novel CSU therapies.