Monoclonal Antibodies: What They Are, How They Work, and What They Treat

When your body fights off an infection, it makes monoclonal antibodies, laboratory-engineered proteins designed to bind to specific targets like cancer cells or inflammatory proteins. Also known as biologic drugs, they’re not like traditional pills—they’re injected or infused because they’re too large and complex to survive digestion. These antibodies act like guided missiles, zeroing in on troublemakers while leaving healthy cells alone.

Monoclonal antibodies are a key part of modern treatment for cancer, a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably. Drugs like rituximab and trastuzumab stick to cancer markers, flagging them for destruction by your immune system. They’re also used for autoimmune diseases, conditions where the immune system attacks the body by mistake, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease. Here, they block the signals that cause inflammation. And they’re not just for adults—some are even used in children with severe asthma or eczema.

These treatments aren’t magic. They can cause side effects like fatigue, fever, or allergic reactions. They’re expensive because they’re made using living cells in labs, not chemical synthesis. But they’ve changed the game for people who didn’t respond to older drugs. You won’t find them in your local pharmacy—they’re given in clinics, hospitals, or under strict medical supervision.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a textbook on immunology. It’s real-world insight into how these drugs fit into everyday health decisions. You’ll see how they connect to drug safety, side effect management, and even how pricing and counterfeit risks affect access. Whether you’re on one of these treatments, considering it, or just trying to understand why your doctor recommended it, this collection gives you the practical, no-fluff facts you need.