Original Biologic
What is an original biologic?
An original biologic is a brand-name drug that has already gone through the clinical trial process and has been approved for use by the FDA. It contains substances created using organisms or living cells, including transplant tissue, gene therapies, stem cell therapies, recombinant proteins, and monoclonal antibodies.
Original biologic is a term generally used when referencing biosimilars. Biosimilars are drugs that are shown, using clinical trials, to be as safe and effective in treating a particular disease as a brand-name biologic.
Why are original biologics important for healthcare?
Biologics, as a form of medication, help treat or manage illnesses and health conditions. They are especially appealing for treating immune-related diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease by interrupting the disease’s pathways and signals to reduce the damage caused by these conditions.
Biologics have also helped to revolutionize cancer treatment and are offering hope to patients who previously had no treatment options available.
Original biologics, as pioneer biologics, are the first of their kind to treat a specific illness or condition with their unique composition. As such, an original biologic offers a new treatment option where none had previously existed, improving patient outcomes and healthcare.