Comparative Study of Conventional and Biologic Drugs in Autoimmune Disorders

Abstract

Autoimmune disorders comprise a diverse group of chronic diseases characterized by an abnormal immune response in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and ankylosing spondylitis significantly impact patients' quality of life and impose substantial healthcare burdens worldwide. The management of these disorders has traditionally relied on conventional pharmacological therapies, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). While these medications have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling symptoms and reducing inflammation, their long-term use is often associated with limited efficacy, systemic adverse effects, and variable patient responses. The development of biologic drugs has revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune diseases by providing targeted therapeutic approaches that specifically modulate key components of the immune system. Biologic agents, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors, B-cell-targeted therapies, and T-cell modulators, have shown significant improvements in disease control, remission rates, and patient outcomes. These therapies offer enhanced specificity and reduced disease progression compared to many conventional treatments. However, biologics are associated with challenges such as high treatment costs, increased risk of infections, immunogenicity, and accessibility concerns.