Biologics

Biologics are advanced injectable medications that are made using a technology called monoclonal antibodies. Our immune system makes natural antibodies that attack bacteria or viruses. Each antibody is unique to a given target, and once it locks onto a target, it is removed by the immune system. Scientists now use this same concept to make custom antibodies that target different parts of the body or immune system that are overactive and causing disease. These custom antibodies are powerful tools in modern medicine and several are now used to treat allergic diseases.

At Allergy Partners, we have developed a comprehensive biologics program to treat a wide range of allergic and asthmatic conditions. Some of the most common biologics include:

• Xolair: This antibody injection targets the allergic antibodies within the body (specifically IgE). It’s helpful for patients with asthma triggered by allergies and patients with nasal polyps and chronic hives, as well as food allergies.
• Fasenra: This is an antibody injection that targets allergy cells called eosinophils. These cells are typically extremely high in patients who experience severe asthma, so these injections help bring down the number to provide relief.
• Nucala: This biologic treatment targets the survival signal for eosinophils. This treatment can be helpful for asthma sufferers and patients with other eosinophil diseases, such as Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) and Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, or sometimes called Churg-Strauss Syndrome).
• Dupixent: This injection targets an intermediate signaling particle in the allergic reaction pathway, which can lead to improvement in asthma, eczema, chronic sinus disease with nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
• Tezspire: This biologic targets an immune signal called an ‘alarmin’ that triggers several immune pathways involved in severe asthma.

Common Side Effects

Since biologics target specific allergy and asthma responses rather than whole-body systems, they tend to cause fewer side effects than oral corticosteroids. Side effects may include redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, or muscle or joint aches. Allergic reactions, while rare, may occur and will be monitored during your visit.

Conditions Treated

Biologics are currently approved for several allergic conditions for adults and children as young as 6 months of age. The conditions include:

• Asthma
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis
• Eczema
• Hives/Urticaria
• Nasal Polyps