Biologic agent

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Biologic agent A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Several_vaccines_(2021)

Biologic agents include antibodies, interleukins, and vaccines.

Other names[edit | edit source]

Also called biological agent and biological drug.

Pronunciation[edit | edit source]

BY-oh-LAH-jik AY-jent.

Categories of Biologic Agents[edit | edit source]

Biologic agents can be categorized based on their source and function:

Monoclonal_antibodies_(1)
  • Monoclonal antibodies: Engineered proteins designed to bind specifically to target molecules, often used in cancer therapy to target and destroy cancer cells without harming normal cells.
  • Interleukins: A group of cytokines that play a pivotal role in the immune response, used in the treatment of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and certain cancers.
  • Vaccines: Biological preparations that provide acquired immunity to a particular disease, containing agents that resemble a disease-causing microorganism.
  • Growth factors: Substances, such as hormones and cytokines, that stimulate cell growth, healing, and cellular differentiation.
  • Enzymes: Proteins that act as biological catalysts, used in conditions where there is a deficiency or absence of certain enzymes.
Monoclonal_antibodies2

Production[edit | edit source]

The production of biologic agents involves complex biological processes, including recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning, and cell culture. These methods enable the mass production of biologics that can mimic or augment natural biological substances.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Biologic agents have revolutionized the treatment of numerous diseases by providing more specific, targeted therapies. Their applications include:

  • Cancer Treatment: Targeting specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation.
  • Autoimmune Diseases: Modulating the immune system in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Vaccination: Preventing infectious diseases by stimulating the body's immune response.
  • Genetic Disorders: Supplementing or replacing defective or missing proteins.

Challenges and Considerations[edit | edit source]

Despite their effectiveness, biologic agents present unique challenges, including:

  • Immunogenicity: The potential to trigger an immune response against the biologic agent itself, leading to reduced effectiveness or adverse reactions.
  • Complex Manufacturing: The production of biologics is complicated and costly, requiring sophisticated technology and strict regulatory oversight to ensure quality and safety.
  • Accessibility and Cost: High production costs often translate to high prices for patients and healthcare systems.

List of biologic agents[edit | edit source]

Summary[edit | edit source]

Biologic agents have become indispensable in modern medicine, offering hope for patients with conditions that were once considered untreatable. Continued research and development in biotechnology promise to expand the possibilities of biologic therapies, further improving patient outcomes across a wide spectrum of diseases.

See also[edit | edit source]

Biologic agent Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD