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Asthma is a heterogeneous syndrome with numerous underlining molecular and inflammatory mechanisms contributing to the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. Multiple therapies targeting severe asthma with type 2 (T2) high inflammation are or soon will be available. T2 high inflammation is defined as inflammation associated with atopy or eosinophilia or an increase in cytokines associated with T-helper 2 lymphocytes. Omalizumab is a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody and the first biologic therapy approved for moderate–severe allergic asthma. Despite the specificity of biologic therapies like omalizumab, clinical response is variable, with approximately 50% of treated patients achieving the primary outcome. A prior identification of the ideal candidate for therapy would improve patient outcomes and optimize the use of health care resources. As the number of biologic therapies for asthma increases, the goal is identification of biomarkers or clinical phenotypes likely to respond to a specific therapy. This review focuses on potential biomarkers and clinical history that may identify responders to omalizumab therapy for asthma.

Allergy immunotherapy has been used to help alleviate symptoms of allergic diseases for over 100 years. In the setting of the recently approved sublingual immunotherapy, allergists are now faced with which therapeutic regimen to use in clinical practice, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Both SLIT and SCIT have been shown to be beneficial for the therapy of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Each therapeutic measure has its associated benefits. SLIT has a better safety profile with less systemic reactions and to date, no reported fatal reactions. SCIT, the primary method of allergen immunotherapy in the United States, has a slightly better efficacy profile and readily allows for treatment of polyallergic patients. This review focuses on how to incorporate SLIT into daily clinical practice and on how to choose SLIT versus SCIT.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by the presence of congestion, postnasal drainage, sneezing and rhinorrhea. AR contributes to reduced productivity and significant morbidity worldwide. Areas covered: We review data emphasizing that the most effective therapy to alter the course of AR is allergen-specific immunotherapy, either subcutaneous or sublingual. However, significant advancements in developing alternative forms of therapies have opened the door for potential novel avenues of treating patients with AR. We discuss novel therapies currently under investigation or recently approved, which may provide a more effective and safer treatment option. Expert commentary: Novel therapies for this common disorder which causes significant impaired quality of life are under investigation and will hopefully lead to better therapeutic options.

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