Biologics

Question 1

Explain what biologics, as opposed to small molecule drugs and some example

Answer 1

Biologics are active pharmaceutical ingredients composed of sugar, proteins or nucleic acids or a complex combination of these substances. can also be living entities like cells or tissues

example of biologics are things like vaccines, blood/blood components, allergenics, gene therapy, somatic cells

Question 2

what are the types of biologics

Answer 2

Monoclonal antibodies
Proteins and polypeptides
viral and non-vectors
oligonucleotides
cells

Question 3

what are the common characteristics of biologics

Answer 3

• They are produced by living organisms. and the final structure of the biologics depend on the cell/organism used for production.
• Cannot be administered via an oral route ( they will be broken down and digested and not have the desired affect as they are made from proteins and sugars), most are normally injectable.
  They can stay in the blood for longer
• Often have extracellular targets due to their size
  They are highly specific
  Too large to cross the blood brain barrier

Question 4

What are common uses of biologics + examples

Answer 4

Replacing deficient/abnormal proteins
Enhancing/Inhibiting different biological processes
Providing novel function or activity

Question 5

Define an antibody

Answer 5

A protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign proteins and organisms. each antibody is specific to an antigen