Biologic Glossary of Terms

This glossary of terms provides definitions for medical terms used when discussing the conditions that could be treated with biologic medicines.

Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a chronic condition marked by asthma, nasal polyps and breathing issues triggered by aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Antibodies

A blood protein produced by your immune system. They attach to harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. Then they attempt to remove them from your body.

Antigen

A foreign substance that enters the body and causes an immune response. A bacteria or virus is an example of an antigen.

Anti-IgE

Medications that bind to immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. IgE can cause allergies and allergic reactions. Medications that bind to IgE can help prevent allergens from triggering allergic reactions.

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)

A skin condition that causes itchy and inflamed patches of skin. It can begin during childhood and continue into adulthood.

Biologics (also called biologicals)

A class of medications given as an injection or into your veins. The medications target specific cells, proteins or pathways that cause allergic inflammation. They are prescribed to treat moderate to severe asthma and atopic dermatitis, among other conditions.

Biopharmacology

The study of biological drugs to better understand their makeup and interactions with other medications. This helps to determine the effects, dosage and duration for patients.

B-cells (also called B-lymphocytes)

A type of white blood cell. It produces antibodies to fight off bacteria and viruses. B-cells attach to the surface of a foreign cell and mark it so that other immune cells can destroy it.

Biomarkers

Certain medical signs used to measure the presence or progression of a disease. An example would be a blood test. They can be used to see how well a specific treatment might work or how the body responds to a treatment.

Biosimilars

A biologic product that is similar to an FDA-approved biologic but with minor differences. Biosimilars are very close in structure and function as biologics. They have the same standards in terms of safety and effectiveness.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)

A condition that causes inflamed nasal passages, congestion and polyps in the nasal cavity. The polyps are benign or non-cancerous. It can cause difficulty breathing and reduced sense of smell or taste.

Chronic urticaria (hives)

Also known as chronic hives. It is a skin condition that causes welts or itchy bumps on the skin for 6 weeks or longer. The cause can be difficult to determine. The hives can be triggered by many factors.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A progressive lung disease characterized by difficulty breathing. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main types of COPD. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, a feeling of breathlessness, frequent coughing and wheezing, chest tightness and frequent colds.

Cytokines

Proteins that signal the body’s cells to begin an immune response. Some activate the immune system while others slow it down. 

Eosinophilic asthma

A type of asthma marked by high levels of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the airways. It is often moderate to severe.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)

A chronic inflammatory condition marked by a high level of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the tissue of the esophagus. It can cause difficulty swallowing food.

Eosinophils

A type of white blood cell involved with allergic reactions, infections and asthma. Eosinophils promote allergic inflammation. Increased eosinophils are present in a variety of conditions including allergies and asthma.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

Antibodies produced by the body’s immune system. They can set off allergy symptoms. 

Inflammation

The body’s immune system response to an allergen, irritant or injury.

Interleukins

A group of cytokines released by white blood cells that regulate immune responses. Some activate the immune system while others slow it down.

Mast cells

A type of white blood cell that is part of the body’s immune system. They are found in skin, lungs and the digestive system. They release histamine and cytokines during allergic reactions and immune responses. This can lead to allergy or flu-like symptoms.

Monoclonal antibodies

Man-made proteins created in a lab that act like human antibodies in the immune system. They can target a virus or infection. Or even a specific part of the immune system.

Neutrophils

White blood cells that are part of the immune system and help the body fight infection. 

Phenotypes

Unique traits of a disease that can be noticed. They can help doctors decide on a treatment plan. Asthma has multiple phenotypes: allergic, nonallergic, exercise-induced, severe, and occupational, among others.

Prior authorization

A medical insurance policy. Certain biologic medications and treatments may require approval from your health insurance provider before you receive them.

Severe asthma

Asthma that is poorly controlled or difficult to control. People with severe asthma experience symptoms despite treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, and other controller medication.

Shared decision-making

A process where healthcare providers and patients work together to discuss a shared treatment plan. The plan balances risks and results with a patient’s preferences. Studies show it improves health outcomes.

Step therapy (also called “fail first”)

A process used by health insurance providers to control costs. Health insurers may require a patient to fail the first step of treatment. This could be a generic or low-cost medication. Then the patient moves on to a second step. Step therapy occurs even when the doctor and patient have agreed the second step is the best treatment option. This is risky to patients. It can lead to increased healthcare costs in the long term.

T-cells (also called T-lymphocytes)

A type of white blood cell that seeks out antigens in the body. There are two types of T-cells. Helper T-cells coordinate the attack on the foreign substance. Killer T-cells destroy it.

Type 2 inflammation

A type of systemic immune response. It disrupts the immune system and leads to increased symptoms. Type 2 inflammation can impact people with allergic asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. It is usually associated with moderate to severe disease.