What is a Biologic Medication?
Welcome to the first episode of our new podcast series on biologic medications. This Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast episode is an overview of biologic therapies for asthma, eczema, and more allergic conditions.
This podcast series on biologic medications is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Our co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney interview William E. Berger, MD, to talk about how biologics can help people with allergic diseases. They discuss what biologics are and why this new treatment is promising for both patients and doctors.
You can learn more about the podcast and the co-hosts on ItchPodcast.com. The podcast can be downloaded on all major platforms for listening anytime, anywhere:
We thank Sanofi Regeneron for sponsoring this podcast. All opinions represent the views of the podcasters. Sponsorship does not influence Allergy & Asthma Network content decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
Unpacking biologic medications for allergic diseases
Biologic medications offer a new way to treat asthma, eczema, chronic hives (urticaria), food allergies and more. Dr. Berger explains how biologics work. They stop inflammation at the cellular level, before it can start. This can bring relief to patients.
Dr. Berger and Dr. Gupta discuss the benefits, possible side effects, and the future of these treatments. Kortney, who recently started biologic therapy, also shares her experience.
Key takeaways from this biologics podcast
Biologic medications offer an exciting and promising option for patients who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments.
- Biologic medications target the cause of inflammation. Unlike regular treatments that manage symptoms, biologics target the specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation, making them more effective.
- Better quality of life. Dr. Berger explains how biologics give patients new hope by offering better symptom control and improving their everyday lives.
- Safety and side effects. Dr. Berger addresses common concerns, like whether biologics dampen or change the immune system.
- The future of biologic treatments. With ongoing research, biologics are becoming even better, giving doctors and patients more choices.
Podcast timestamps
- 00:16 – Introduction to Dr. Berger
- 02:04 – Overview of biologic medications
- 02:56 – How biologics differ from traditional treatments
- 05:02 – How biologics target inflammation at a molecular level
- 06:57 – How biologic medications are given
- 07:52 – How biologics affect the immune system
- 09:17 – Side effects of biologics
- 10:23 – Concerns about biologics and immunosuppression
- 13:58 – Biologics offering more options for doctors and patients
- 14:43 – How biologics have changed since 2003
- 17:03 – How biologics are changing asthma treatments
- 19:10 – How biologics improve the quality of life for people with allergies
- 21:19 – Steps patients should take when thinking about biologic therapy
