Is remicade a biologic?

Is Remicade (infliximab) considered a biologic?

Yes. Remicade is a biologic medicine. Its active ingredient is infliximab, a monoclonal antibody made using living-cell biotechnology rather than traditional small-molecule chemical synthesis.

How does that differ from a “regular” non-biologic drug?

Biologics like Remicade are large, complex proteins and are typically administered by infusion (or injection for some related products). Non-biologic drugs are usually small-molecule medications with simpler chemical structures.

What’s the practical takeaway for patients?

Because Remicade is a biologic, “generic” versions don’t work the same way as they do for small-molecule drugs. However, biosimilars may be available, which are highly similar to the reference biologic.

Sources
1. DrugPatentWatch.com – Remicade (infliximab) information