Drug Class: Biologic/biosimilar

Biologics are immunosuppressants that are antibodies or partial antibodies targeting specific cytokines or proteins. They include anti-TNF biologics (e.g., infliximab, adalimumab), antibodies to IL-12/23 (e.g., ustekinumab), antibodies targeting IL-23 (e.g., risankizumab, mirikizumab), and anti-adhesion therapies (e.g., vedolizumab, natalizumab). Biosimilars are medications designed to be highly similar to reference biologics, like Humira or Remicade, with no significant differences in safety, efficacy, or quality, though they are generally more affordable. Unlike generics, biosimilars cannot be exact copies due to the complexity of biologics but undergo rigorous FDA approval and quality checks. The goal of biosimilars is to increase patient access to effective treatments, reduce healthcare costs, and encourage innovation in developing new therapies.