Biologics, A History Of Agents Made From Living... Apr 2026

Modern Era: Targeted Therapies and Gene Editing (1990s – Present)

The foundation of biologics began with early immunology and the use of natural substances to prevent or treat infectious diseases. Biologics, A History of Agents Made From Living...

: In St. Louis, 13 children died of tetanus after receiving diphtheria antitoxin derived from a retired milk wagon horse named Jim, who had contracted tetanus. Modern Era: Targeted Therapies and Gene Editing (1990s

: During World War II, Edwin Joseph Cohn developed a method to separate individual proteins from blood plasma, allowing for safer transfusions of specific components. The Recombinant Revolution (1970s – 1980s) : During World War II, Edwin Joseph Cohn

Biologics now represent a massive portion of the pharmaceutical market, treating chronic conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases.

: With the expiration of patents for original biologic drugs, "biosimilars"—highly similar but not identical copies—have entered the market to increase patient access and reduce costs.