BIOLOGICALS
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
Biologicals, also known as biopharmaceuticals or biologics,
are a class of drugs derived from living organisms or their components.
They are used for the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases. Here are some types of
biologicals:
1.
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (MABS):
·
Definition:
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules designed to mimic the
immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens.
·
Example:
Rituximab, Trastuzumab.
2.
VACCINES:
·
Definition:
Vaccines are biological substances that stimulate the immune system to produce
an immune response, providing protection against specific diseases.
·
Example:
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Influenza vaccine.
3.
GENE THERAPIES:
·
Definition:
Gene therapies involve the introduction, alteration, or removal of genetic
material within a person's cells to treat or prevent disease.
·
Example:
Luxturna (for treating inherited retinal dystrophy).
4.
CELL-BASED THERAPIES (STEM CELL THERAPY):
·
Definition:
Cell-based therapies involve the use of cells, typically stem cells, to replace
or repair damaged tissues and treat various diseases.
·
Example:
CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment.
5.
RECOMBINANT PROTEINS:
·
Definition:
Recombinant proteins are proteins produced by genetically engineered organisms,
typically bacteria or yeast.
·
Example:
Insulin (produced using recombinant DNA technology), Epoetin alfa
(erythropoietin).
6.
BLOOD PRODUCTS (CLOTTING FACTORS):
·
Definition:
Blood products include various components derived from blood, such as clotting
factors for the treatment of bleeding disorders.
· Example: Factor VIII for hemophilia treatment.