biologics
Protein-based drug therapies
Biologics are medical products derived from living organisms rather than chemical synthesis.
The category includes vaccines, blood components, gene therapies, and monoclonal antibodies.
Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals made from predictable chemical reactions, biologics are complex molecules produced by cells, making them harder to replicate exactly: The FDA approved the biologic for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Generic versions are called biosimilars.
From single ancestor cell
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
- chimericFancifully unreal, hybrid
- humanizedMade more human-like
- neutralizingMaking something ineffective
Immune signaling proteins
- interferonImmune response protein
- interleukinImmune-signaling protein from leukocytes
- immunomodulatorsAgents modifying bodily defenses
- immunosuppressantsDrugs reducing body defenses
Pancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
- growth hormonePituitary signal for development
- glucagonPancreatic blood-sugar raiser
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
Protective medical injection
- inoculationInjection conferring disease resistance
- mRNAGene's working copy
- viral vectorVirus repurposed for therapy
- recombinantGenetically engineered combination
adjuvant · antigen · attenuated · inactivated · subunit · conjugate · toxoid · booster
Official drug safety certification
- biosimilarFollow-on biological medicine
- interchangeabilityQuality of being swappable
- clinical trialsControlled health research experiments
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
Lab-fused genetic sequences
- cell cultureLaboratory technique for growing tissue
- fermentationMicrobial sugar conversion
- bioreactorVessel for growing organisms
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
chromatography · formulation · cold chain · quality control · characterization
monoclonal
From single ancestor cell
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
- chimericFancifully unreal, hybrid
- humanizedMade more human-like
neutralizing · biosimilar · hybridoma · affinity · specificity
cytokines
Immune signaling proteins
- interferonImmune response protein
- interleukinImmune-signaling protein from leukocytes
- immunomodulatorsAgents modifying bodily defenses
immunosuppressants · transplant rejection · graft-versus-host
insulin
Pancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
- growth hormonePituitary signal for development
- glucagonPancreatic blood-sugar raiser
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
immunization
Protective medical injection
- inoculationInjection conferring disease resistance
- mRNAGene's working copy
- viral vectorVirus repurposed for therapy
recombinant · adjuvant · antigen · attenuated · inactivated · subunit · conjugate · toxoid · booster · influenza vaccine
FDA approval
Official drug safety certification
- biosimilarFollow-on biological medicine
- interchangeabilityQuality of being swappable
- clinical trialsControlled health research experiments
recombinant DNA
Lab-fused genetic sequences
- cell cultureLaboratory technique for growing tissue
- fermentationMicrobial sugar conversion
- bioreactorVessel for growing organisms
purification · chromatography · formulation · cold chain · quality control · characterization
replacement therapy
Supplying lacking substances medically
- allergiesallergy, allergies, allergen, allergens, allergist
- Medical Advancespenicillin, vaccine, X-ray, insulin pump, pacemaker
- medicationspills, Tylenol, capsules, tablets, Xanax
- Medicinespill, tablet, aspirin, tablets, penicillin
- remediesremedy, cure, medicine, treatment, medications
- treatmentstreatment, treatments, medication, medicine, therapies
- biological clocksInnate timing mechanisms in organisms
- biological parentsThose who conceived you
- biological fatherMale progenitor by blood
- biological motherFemale who gave birth
- marine biologistStudies sea life professionally
- biological weaponsWeaponized pathogens or toxins