Advancements in Biologics and Osteoporosis Treatment
- Lisa Kawwas
- Sep 27, 2025
- 3 min read
By : Lisa Kawwas
Curious about how living cells can be turned into life-saving medicines? This article unpacks the rise of biologics, from mRNA vaccines to biosimilars tackling osteoporosis, and explores why these complex therapies are reshaping the future of healthcare.
What is a biologic?
Unlike traditional small-molecule drugs with simple, synthesized structures, scientists have developed biologics: large complex molecules designed with biotechnology. Biologics are usually derived from cells, proteins, DNA, RNA, antibodies, or bacteria from living organisms. Some examples of biologics include the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and insulin (from recombinant DNA).
How do biologics work?
Biologics typically target specific cells, molecules, or organelles involved in disease pathways. Researchers design biologics to block inflammatory mechanisms (involved in autoimmune disorders), bind to cancer cells (which triggers T-cell attacks), or replacing defective proteins (as in genetic conditions).
What is the significance of biologics?
These bioengineered products showcase immense specificity and are therefore much more successful at treating diseases where other drugs fail. Biologics bind with high affinity to their targets and also reduce off-target effects, which also decreases systemic toxicity. Furthermore, less frequent dosing (once every few weeks or months) is required due to their higher half-life.
Many illnesses that were previously considered incurable have been treated with biologics. More specifically, biologics have been an indispensable tool for healing patients struggling with cancer, rare genetic disorders, Crohn’s disease, and hormone deficiencies. Truly, biologics have revolutionized modern medicine to target disease pathways on molecular levels in ways classical, chemical drugs cannot accomplish. Despite their complexity, their precision and power is truly notable and life-changing.
What are the challenges of working with biologics?
Because biologics are made from living organisms, they require a living system, tight regulations, and cold storage. Consequently, biologics are extremely expensive, with doses often costing thousands of dollars per dose. Moreover, it is nearly impossible to attain identical copies of biologic drugs due to replication difficulties. Biologics are also administered intravenously rather than swallowed. Patient challenges are also a major concern with these types of treatments; patient convenience, compliance, access, and feedback are of peak importance.
What is a new biologic reaching the market?
A biosimilar of Denosumab, produced by Biocon Biologics, has been FDA approved. (Biosimilars are substitutes to other drugs and designed to reduce costs and access.) The biosimilar is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-b ligand), which prevents RANKL from activating its receptor on osteoclasts (cells that break down bone). This blockage reduces the formation of osteoclasts, thereby decreasing bone resorption to increase bone strength.
Why is designing more effective osteoporosis treatments so important?
Osteoporosis is an extremely common, bone-loss disease, which can slowly lead to weakness and disability. Women are especially vulnerable to this condition due to estrogen loss in menopause that accelerates bone loss; 1 in 2 women are affected by osteoporosis in their lifetime. Men are also affected by osteoporosis, though at a lower rate. Globally, over 200 million people suffer from this condition, especially in aging populations. Fractures (typically in the hips, spine, or wrists) due to bone weakness are very serious and sometimes deadly in older patients. Within a year of a hip fracture, 25% die and 50% never regain full independence. Spinal fractures leave lasting symptoms, including chronic back pain, height loss, deformity, and reduced lung capacity.
Osteoporosis is sometimes called a “silent” disease since patients can lose 20-30% of bone mass before symptoms appear. The first sign is usually a fracture from a minor bump or fall. Unfortunately, screening and early treatment are underused, though they are critical for alleviating the condition. There are some drugs on the market available currently. However, they have many side effects, complex dosing, limited long-term data, and underuse due to cost. Biosimilars allow for new delivery methods to increase access and encourage early treatment to improve lives around the world.
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