Ep. 83: What is a biologic medication?
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 83:
What are biologic medications, and how can they help people with allergic diseases?
We discuss biologic medications with Dr. Berger, a leading expert in biologic therapy for allergic diseases. Since the first biologic was introduced in 2003, these treatments have advanced significantly. By targeting the root causes of inflammation, biologics offer a more precise, personalized approach to treating conditions like asthma and eczema. Unlike traditional medications, biologics are a breakthrough, opening the door to tailored care that improves patients' long-term symptom control and quality of life.
Dr. Berger explains biologic medications, how they work at a molecular level, and how they impact the immune system. As Kortney recently started biologic therapy, we also get a firsthand account of patients' decision-making process and concerns when considering biologic treatments. These innovative therapies not only control symptoms but can transform the daily lives of people living with chronic allergic diseases, providing hope for better, long-term outcomes.
What we cover in this episode about the basics of biologic medications:
How Dr. What is a biologic medication? Dr. Berger explains how biologic medications differ from traditional treatments by focusing on precision-based medicine, offering a revolutionary way to target specific aspects of the immune system.
How biologic therapies target molecular inflammation: Learn how biologic treatments act on specific inflammatory molecules, offering hope for better control and relief for patients with severe asthma, eczema, and more.
Do biologics suppress the immune system? We address common questions about biologic therapy, its effects on the immune system, and potential side effects.
The evolution of biologic treatments. A look at how biologic medicine has advanced since 2003 and its role in reshaping asthma therapy and other allergic disease treatments, providing exciting new options for patients.
Improving quality of life for allergic disease patients with biologics. We discuss how, for many, biologics have been life-changing.
Steps for patients considering biologic treatment. Dr. Berger offers practical advice for patients interested in discussing biologic therapy with their healthcare providers.
About our biologic medication expert - William E. Berger, MD
Dr. William E. Berger is a past Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California-Irvine and served as Medical Director of Southern California Research in Mission Viejo. He is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with a distinguished career, including roles as President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and as Medical Staff Allergist for the U.S. Olympic Swim Team. Dr. Berger has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and authored books like Asthma for Dummies, focusing on allergy and asthma treatments. He is widely recognized as an expert in his field, frequently appearing on major media outlets like CNN and Good Morning America.
More resources about spontaneous hives:
Other episodes about biologic medicine:
FDA-Approved Biologic Therapies for Allergic Diseases
This list was created on September 1, 2024.
Biologics for Asthma
2003: Omalizumab (Xolair) – Approved for allergic asthma
2015: Mepolizumab (Nucala) – Approved for severe eosinophilic asthma
2016: Reslizumab (Cinqair) – Approved for severe eosinophilic asthma
2017: Benralizumab (Fasenra) – Approved for severe eosinophilic asthma
2018: Dupilumab (Dupixent) – Approved for asthma
2021: Tezepelumab (Tezspire) – Approved for severe asthma
Biologics for Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU)
2014: Omalizumab (Xolair) – Approved for chronic idiopathic urticaria
Biologics for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)
2017: Mepolizumab (Nucala) – Approved for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
Biologics for Atopic Dermatitis
2017: Dupilumab (Dupixent) – Approved for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
2022: Tralokinumab (Adbry, Adtralza) – Approved for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
Biologics for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis (CRSwNP)
2019: Dupilumab (Dupixent) – Approved for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
2020: Omalizumab (Xolair) – Approved for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
2021: Mepolizumab (Nucala) – Approved for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
Biologics for Food Allergy
2024: Omalizumab (Xolair) – Approved for food allergy reaction reduction
Timestamps
What is a biologic medication - episode timestamps
01:12 Introduction to Dr. Berger
03:00 Overview of biologics
03:52 Differences between biologics and traditional medications (Precision-based medicine targeting inflammatory molecules)
05:58 How biologics work on a molecular level
07:53 Administration methods for biologic medications
08:48 Impact of biologics on the immune system
10:13 Side effects associated with biologics
11:19 Addressing concerns about biologics being immunosuppressants
14:54 The role of biologics in providing more options for patients and doctors
15:39 The evolution of biologics since their introduction in 2003
17:59 Reversing stepwise asthma therapy and changing treatment approaches
20:06 Improving quality of life for people with allergic diseases through biologics
22:15 Steps for patients considering biologic therapy
