What is a potential benefit of using biological drugs such as monoclonal antibodies?

Biological drugs, including monoclonal antibodies, are engineered to target specific pathways or molecules involved in diseases. One of the significant benefits of these drugs is that they are designed to be more targeted, which often results in a better side effect profile compared to traditional medications. Traditional drugs can affect multiple systems within the body and lead to a wider range of adverse effects. In contrast, the specificity of monoclonal antibodies means they can focus on particular antigens—such as those found on cancer cells or involved in autoimmune diseases—thus minimizing the impact on healthy cells and reducing overall side effects.

This targeted mechanism is especially important for patients who may have limited treatment options or who are sensitive to the broad effects of traditional pharmacotherapy. As a result, the use of biological drugs can lead to improved patient compliance and better overall treatment outcomes due to a more favorable side effect profile.