The development of omalizumab [anti-IgE monoclonal antibody E25; 'Xolair'] holds great promise as a novel treatment for asthma and allergic rhinitis. The agent is creeping closer to the market, with European and US launches expected in the fourth quarter of 2001, according to Genentech, Novartis and Tanox, the companies developing omalizumab. A number of studies demonstrating the value of this unique treatment modality were presented at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology [New Orleans, US; March 2001].