Biologics, also known as biological drugs, are therapeutic products derived from living organisms, including humans, animals, and microorganisms. These products encompass a wide range of substances such as proteins (e.g., monoclonal antibodies), nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA), vaccines, blood components, and cells used for therapy. Unlike small-molecule drugs, biologics are typically larger and more complex molecules that can target disease pathways through more specific interactions, offering high specificity and efficacy. Biologics thrive where small molecules less effectively inhibit cellular mechanisms that involve interactions between large flexible surfaces. However, because they are large, the trade-off is low bioavailability so that they often must be injected. Other limitations include high production costs and storage requirements.
Importance in Computational Drug Discovery
- Targeted Therapies: Biologics can be designed to specifically target disease-causing molecules, pathways, or cells, leading to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
- Complex Diseases: They are particularly useful in treating complex diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and genetic diseases, where traditional small-molecule drugs may be less effective.
- Precision Medicine: Biologics enable the development of personalized medicine approaches, tailoring treatments to individual patient profiles based on genetic, proteomic, and other biomarkers.
- Innovation and Development: The field of biologics is rapidly evolving, with advancements in biotechnology, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology driving the discovery and development of new therapeutic modalities.
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