What Is a Biologic?

Biologics, also called biological products, are a class of medications derived from a wide array of living sources---including blood, viruses, antibodies, and vaccines---for the purpose of fighting various diseases.

The Facts

• Unlike traditional medicines, which typically rely on simple active ingredients, biologics achieve their effects by targeting specific proteins inside the body that are active in disease processes, according to AARP Magazine.

Sources

• Biologic medications may come from microorganisms, humans, or animals, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Materials contained in biologics may include proteins, nucleic acids, and sugars---either by themselves or in combination---as well as whole cells and body tissue.

Example Medications

• Examples of biologic medications include rituximab (Rituxan); tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers such as adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade); and T-cell blockers such as alefacept (Amevive), AARP Magazine and the National Psoriasis Foundation report.

Benefits

• Biologics can provide effective treatment for a number of ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain forms of cancer, according to AARP Magazine and the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Risks

• Use of certain biologics---including Enbrel and Rituxan---may potentially produce extremely serious side effects such as immune and central nervous system disorders, lymphoma, and heart attacks, AARP Magazine notes.