Biologics and cardiac disease: challenges and opportunities

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Nov;43(11):894-905. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.06.001. Epub 2022 Jun 29.

Abstract

Biologics are revolutionizing the treatment of chronic diseases, such as cancer and monogenic disorders, by overcoming the limits of classic therapeutic approaches using small molecules. However, the clinical use of biologics is limited for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) , which are the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Here, we review the state-of-the-art use of biologics for cardiac disorders and provide a framework for understanding why they still struggle to enter the field. Some limitations are common and intrinsic to all biological drugs, whereas others depend on the complexity of cardiac disease. In our opinion, delineating these struggles will be valuable in developing and accelerating the approval of a new generation of biologics for CVDs.

Keywords: Biologics; biobetters; biosimilars; cardiovascular disorders; cell therapy; gene therapy; monoclonal antibodies; recombinant proteins.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products* / pharmacology
  • Biological Products* / therapeutic use
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals* / therapeutic use
  • Heart Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Humans

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals