Biologics

Biologics are a class of medications that are derived from natural sources using biotechnology methods and other cutting-edge technologies. Biologics can be sugars, proteins, nucleic acids or a complex combination of these substances. Vaccines and insulin are common examples.  

A large class of biologics are known as monoclonal antibodies or mAbs, which are laboratory-produced proteins. mAbs are designed to be highly specific and can provide targeted interventions to block or enhance the immune system, offering medical benefit for a variety of diseases.  

In 2024, the FDA approved the first biologic for food allergy, omalizumab (Xolair®). Omalizumab is a mAb that blocks immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody which plays a key role in allergic reactions. It has been shown to reduce severe reactions, including the risk of anaphylaxis, when accidental food allergen exposure happens. It works for multiple food allergens at the same time. Learn more about omalizumab (Xolair®) here.

Other biologics for food allergy are being studied. Current research includes studying higher-affinity or “stronger” anti-IgE mAbs and biologics used in combination with allergen specific immunotherapies.