Novel Biologic Treatments – Biotherapeutics/Biologics

Biotherapeutics/Biologics are a rapidly advancing field of medications/therapeutic agents prepared using molecular biology and molecular genetics techniques. These biologics are derived from living cells in the laboratory. They are specifically designed to target key molecules and immunological mechanisms that have been identified as attributing to immune and allergic disorders. The biologics target and interact with very specific inflammatory or regulatory molecules, usually proteins, and inhibit or hinder their actions. This subsequently leads to a reduction of frequency and severity of symptoms in specific allergic and immune diseases. Over the past five years the utilization of biologics has already led to a breakthrough in the management and treatment of several allergic and inflammatory conditions which used to be difficult to manage. The number of the disorders which can be successfully treated with ever increasing number of biologics is rising steadily. The FDA continues to grant approvals for the treatment of new diagnoses as more and more of clinical data becomes available. We now have several biological drugs to quickly manage and treat moderate to severe asthma, chronic urticaria/hives, chronic sinus infections with polyps, severe atopic dermatitis/eczema and hypereosinophilic syndromes among others.

The development and testing in clinical trials and manufacturing of the biologic therapeutics is lengthy, laborious, complex and very expensive. Thus, all insurance carriers administer a review process prior to the coverage of the biologic drug and prior authorization is required. In Premier Allergy and Asthma Centers, we will submit on your behalf, for a small administrative fee, the prior authorization request together with all the necessary medical documentation and supporting documents. We will also help you to access the medication co-pay assistance program offered by the manufacturers. We will make sure that all the advances in the novel therapies and the appropriate biologics are part of your successful treatment program and your return to health and well-being.

Some of the current biologics and the respective allergic/inflammatory conditions treated are:

• Nucala (Mepolizumab) , Cinquair (Reslizumab) and Fasenra (Benralizumab) for moderate to severe asthma
• Xolair (Omalizumab) for both moderate to severe asthma and chronic hives/urticaria
• Dupixent (Dupilumab) for atopic dermatitis/eczema
• Nucala (Mepolizumab) for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangitis

We are continuously adding new biologic treatment options as soon as they are approved by the FDA and become available. Please call us at 855-5CURE4U (528-7348) to schedule your appointment and your next biologics treatment at Premier Allergy and Asthma Centers.