Biologics and postbiologics: novel immunotherapeutics for the induction and maintenance of remission.

Abstract

Rapid growth in the development of new tools and advances in molecular immunology has led to a class of drugs called biologics. While effective, these therapies are costly, typically require continuous administration and often have serious side effects. This review focuses on current therapies and the need for a new class of therapies. A novel class of drugs able to induce and maintain tolerance will be paralleled with the notion that combination therapy appropriately tailored to patient subpopulations may hold the promise of less costly and more effective therapy.