Asthma UK Scotland Comment On The SMC's Approval Of Omalizumab (Xolair) For The Treatment Of Children Aged 6-12 With Severe, Allergic Asthma

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;  Allergy
Article Date: 13 Apr 2010 - 3:00 PDT

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Rosie Newbigging, Asthma UK's Executive Director of Nations, Regions & Services, says: 'Asthma UK Scotland fought hard for Xolair to become available for adults and teenagers with severe, allergic asthma in 2007, so we are delighted that the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has extended the use of this life-changing drug for the treatment of children aged six to twelve.

'There are 72,000 children with asthma in Scotland currently living with asthma, many of them able to control their condition using existing asthma drugs and have a symptom free lifestyle. However, some children with severe, allergic asthma experience numerous emergency hospital admissions throughout the year and existing drugs simply do not help to keep their asthma under control. Giving these children access to Xolair will transform their lives and mean they can take part in everyday activities that were either previously impossible or a daily struggle, for example playing sports or managing a full week's attendance at school.'

Source
Asthma UK

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