Biologics, also called biological medicines, are used to treat a variety of conditions such as certain cancers and auto-immune conditions (eg, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis). Biological medicines also include products like vaccines, insulin to treat diabetes and hormones, eg, human growth hormone.
- Unlike most traditional medicines that are made through chemical processes, biologic products are made from living things, eg, yeasts, bacteria, and plant or animal cells.
- They usually have a more complex structure than other medicines.
Examples of biologics used to treat auto-immune conditions (eg, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis) |
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How do biologics work?
Biologics used for auto-immune conditions and cancer work on controlling your immune system. They work as an immunosuppressant because they dampen the immune response. Biologics target specific proteins or pathways that cause inflammation and damage, rather than suppressing the entire immune system.
- Biologics are usually used for moderate to severe disease, when other immunosuppressants or steroids haven't worked well to control symptoms or flare ups.
- Not all biologics block the same proteins involved in inflammation. For example, some block an inflammatory protein called TNF, while others block B cells and interleukin. They are called TNF inhibitors, B cell inhibitors and interleukin inhibitors.
- Even with several options, sometimes finding the best biologic for your condition can be tricky because inflammatory diseases are often influenced many factors.
- That’s why one biologic may work well for some people but not for others. Also, a biologic may work for you at first but then stop working after a while.
- If the first one you try doesn’t work, or stops working for you, your doctor may suggest a different biologic.
- Some are taken by injection under your skin, and some by intravenous (IV) infusion (through a drip into a vein in your arm). A few biologics are available as tablets.
