Tag: Biologic drugs

In 2024, biologics, including a high number of monoclonal antibodies, represented 32% of all new drugs approved by the FDA [1.7.1]. So, what drugs are considered monoclonal antibodies, and how do these advanced therapies work to combat complex diseases?

According to the U.S. Pharmacopeia, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are lab-made proteins designed to mimic the immune system's natural defenses, and they are used to treat a wide array of conditions, from cancer to autoimmune disorders. When a drug name ends in `–mab`, it signals that it belongs to this class of highly specific, targeted biological agents.

As of 2024, nearly 200 monoclonal antibodies have been approved for treating diseases, with many more in development [1.7.1]. This raises a common question for patients and caregivers alike: what does the ending umab mean and what does it signify about the medication?

With some reports indicating an annual cost upwards of $73,000, Canakinumab (sold under the brand name Ilaris) is a high-priced biologic medication. Understanding **what is the price of Canakinumab 150 mg** requires looking beyond the sticker price to consider insurance coverage, patient assistance, and the specific medical indication.

Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) was the first FDA-approved medication specifically for Thyroid Eye Disease in 2020. For many patients, the high cost of this brand-name treatment raises the question: is there a generic for Tepezza?

VPRIV (velaglucerase alfa) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for long-term treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease. For those asking what is the generic for VPRIV, it is important to understand that this medication, as a biologic, does not have a generic version in the traditional sense.

With over 880 monoclonal antibodies in clinical use, this class of drugs is one of the largest groups of biological products [1.3.2]. A key question many people have is, why do medicines end in UMAB? The answer lies in a specific naming system for a revolutionary class of drugs [1.2.2].

An estimated 4.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis. For many with this and other autoimmune conditions, a key question is: What is the purpose of the Enbrel injection? This biologic drug provides targeted relief by neutralizing a key protein involved in inflammation.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, biologics like benralizumab represent a significant shift in managing severe asthma. In addressing the question: **Is benralizumab an immunotherapy?** the answer is complex, as it is a specialized biologic that modulates the immune system but is distinct from classical allergen immunotherapy.

Approved by the FDA in 2017, benralizumab is a biologic medication designed for the add-on maintenance treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. This article explains **what class of drug is benralizumab** and its unique mechanism of targeting the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor to reduce eosinophil-driven inflammation.