Biologic Medications
What they are, how they work, and who might benefit
Has your current treatment stopped providing the relief you need? It may be time to see what a biologic medication can do. People with certain conditions like moderate to severe asthma or eczema may benefit from a more targeted therapy approach.
Conditions covered on this website include:
- Severe asthma
- Eosinophilic asthma
- COPD with an eosinophilic type
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Chronic urticaria
- Food allergies
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- AERD
- Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
This website does not address all inflammatory conditions. It is not an all-inclusive list of all biological drugs. We will add more treatments and conditions as they become available.
We provide educational resources to help you understand biological therapy. You may be a patient looking for new, more advanced medicines. Or you may be a healthcare professional looking for the latest updates on biologic drug approvals. Our content offers information into how approved biologic drugs work. We also provide information about the safety and availability of biologics.
Stay informed as you explore biologic therapies that may improve your health and well-being.
What are biologic medications?
Biologic drugs are developed from cells of living organisms such as humans, animals or microorganisms.
The medications target specific cells, proteins and pathways that cause inflammation in the body.
How do I find out if I should use biologic therapy?
Talk to your healthcare provider or healthcare team. Ask about biologic medications and whether they are right for you.
How are biologics different from traditional medications?
Biologics are targeted therapies. This means they are made to be specialized to the condition they treat. Traditional medications work by affecting chemical processes in the body.
Biologics are made from living things like proteins or cells. Traditional medications are made from chemicals. Most biologics are given as an injection. Traditional medications are often in pills or capsule form. They are taken orally.
How do biologic medications work?
Biologic medicines aim to stop inflammation in the body at the source, before symptoms can start.
Biologics bind to specific parts of cells, proteins and pathways that cause inflammation. They change how the cells function. Each of the medications work a little differently, however. Some can inhibit cell growth to stop inflammation. Some can block proteins called cytokines that can cause inflammation.
How do I get started thinking about a biologic medication?
Biologic drugs target underlying inflammation in the body. The checklist below is a great starting point for considering a biological drug. It shows the potential benefits and risks of starting a biologic therapy. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether biologic treatment may be the right choice for you.
Biologics Checklist
The Inflammatory Cascade Explained and How Biologics Work
The inflammatory cascade refers to a series of events that occur in the body in response to an injury, infection, or other stimuli. Tissues can become damaged or threatened due to outside stimuli. The immune system responds to protect the body and promote healing. This response involves the release of various molecules called cytokines. Cytokines trigger inflammation and recruit immune cells to the site of injury or infection. Biologic medications block the pathways that trigger inflammation. In addition to reducing inflammation, they help balance the immune response. This leads to improved symptoms and disease control in conditions that have chronic inflammation.
Biologic Meds Articles
