Clinical pharmacology of biological medicines. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soares, Tiago; Fok, Henry
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 48:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 484
• Page End: 488
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Biological products -- biopharmaceutics -- biosimilar pharmaceuticals -- monoclonal antibodies -- MRCP; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Médecine factuelle -- Périodiques; Medicine; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 610
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2020.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-3039

Abstract

Abstract: Biological medicines encompass a wide group of therapeutic agents that are manufactured by living organisms and include monoclonal antibodies, peptides (e.g. insulin), vaccines, blood products, RNA targeting therapies and gene and cellular therapies. Here, we focus on the clinical pharmacology of monoclonal antibodies, which occupy an increasing share of the market for a diverse set of indications. Their large size, complex structure and ability to bind to highly specific target sites, and the heterogeneity imparted by the nature of their production, mean that monoclonal antibodies exhibit unique and specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. Therefore it has become increasingly important for all clinicians to become familiar with their properties and the ways in which they differ from traditional small chemical drugs. Although most monoclonal antibodies are prescribed under specialist supervision, most prescribers are likely to encounter patients given antibody therapies.