Risks and safety of biologics: A practical guide for allergists

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Allergy

Background:

• Biologic agents are increasingly used for allergic and immunologic disorders.
• Understanding the risks associated with these therapies is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the risks and adverse effects of current FDA-approved biologics for allergic and immunologic disorders.
• To inform patient counseling and monitoring protocols for biologic therapies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of safety data for specific biologic agents.
• Focus on hypersensitivity reactions, pregnancy considerations, infection risk, and malignancy risk.
• Inclusion of drug-specific adverse events and case report findings.

Main Results:

• Identified key safety concerns across biologics including omalizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, tezepelumab, and tralokinumab.
• Highlighted specific risks such as hypersensitivity, potential pregnancy complications, increased infection susceptibility, and malignancy concerns.
• Documented unique adverse events and safety signals from case reports.

Conclusions:

• Biologic therapies offer significant benefits but require careful risk assessment and management.
• Clinicians must be aware of potential adverse events to ensure safe and effective patient care.
• Ongoing monitoring and reporting of safety data are essential for the evolving field of biologic treatments.