How are biologics changing the face of disease research and therapeutics?

While traditional pharmaceutical agents aimed to curb the effects of pathogenic mechanisms by either directly inhibiting or indirectly counteracting them, the modes of action for biologics are much more diverse. In many situations, rather than induce a temporary alteration of cellular signaling, biologics research aims to design more permanent solutions to pathology and pathogenesis – and the capabilities of biologic agents, ranging from cell-mediated selective targeting to gene therapy to regenerative medicine – justify this ambition.

The potential of biologic agents may be limitless. After all, the human body is comprised of hundreds, if not thousands, of different biological elements (ranging from the smallest molecule to complex organ structures), each with their own respective roles and activities. Since an abnormality in any of these entities could be potentially pathogenic, any of these entities is a potential candidate to be a biological agent for disease research and therapeutic purposes.