Biologic medications are drugs made from living organisms, such as cells derived from animals, plants, or bacteria. Many work like antibodies, the proteins your immune system naturally produces to recognize and neutralize specific molecules in the body. In asthma, biologics are designed to block specific molecules that trigger airway inflammation that leads to coughing and wheezing.
Unlike inhalers, which act broadly in the lungs, biologics focus on the underlying pathways driving the disease.
Biologics for asthma have been in use for more than a decade. Several are now available, including dupilumab (Dupixent) and mepolizumab (Nucala), each targeting a different inflammatory pathway. Some are also used to treat related conditions such as eczema and chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps.
Most are given by self-injection, typically every two to eight weeks depending on the medication. A newer option can be administered as infrequently as every six months.
“We usually teach patients how to do the self-injections in clinic,” Dr. Zaeh says. “After that, most people are comfortable managing it on their own.”
