What Are Biologic Medications, and What Conditions Can They Treat?
Biologics are often very targeted medications that can effectively treat complex conditions.
A biologic medication is one that comes from living sources. You may be familiar with some biologic medications, even if you’ve never heard the term before. For example, Botox, vaccines, and insulins are three common examples.
In this video, learn why biologic medications are so effective for many conditions, according to Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx, and Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Content at GoodRx.
- Alyssa Billingsley, PharmDAlyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is a pharmacist on the GoodRx team with a decade of experience. She is also an adjunct faculty at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, where she graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy. She is licensed to practice in Missouri and is a member of the National Council of Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Prior to GoodRx, Alyssa worked in both clinical and administrative roles. She was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Outstanding Achievement Award in 2017 for her work in developing pharmacy programs to expand patient access to quality medications.
- Stacia Woodcock, PharmDStacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.
References
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. (2020). Immunosuppressive medication for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
American Diabetes Association. (2020). Insulin is now a biologic — what does that mean?
Federal Trade Commission. (2023). Are you on a biologic medication? What you need to know about biosimilar treatment options.
MedlinePlus. (2017). Botox.
National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Monoclonal antibody.
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Biologic.
Orasanu, B., et al. (2013). The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. Indian Journal of Urology.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). New drug applications (NDA) vs. biologics license applications (BLA).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). New drug class employs novel mechanism for migraine treatment and prevention.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Biologics license applications (BLA) process (CBER).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Biosimilar basics for patients.