US Medical Term · pharmacy
Biologic
Biológico
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Biologic |
| Spanish (Español) | Biológico |
| Chinese (中文) | 生物制剂 |
| Korean (한국어) | 생물학적 제제 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thuốc sinh học |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Biolohikal na Gamot |
| Portuguese (Português) | Medicamento Biológico |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ยาชีววัตถุ |
| Japanese (日本語) | バイオ医薬品 |
What it means
A biologic is a type of prescription medication made from or derived from living cells—such as proteins, antibodies, genes, or tissues—rather than synthesized chemically. Biologics are used to treat complex conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and many cancers. Because they are difficult and expensive to manufacture, biologics are among the most costly drugs on the market. Insurance plans often place them on the highest formulary tier, requiring prior authorization, step therapy, or specialty pharmacy routing. Lower-cost versions called biosimilars have been approved by the FDA as safe alternatives. If you are prescribed a biologic, ask your doctor whether a biosimilar is available and whether copay assistance programs or manufacturer patient assistance programs can reduce your cost.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My rheumatologist prescribed a biologic, but my insurance requires prior authorization first.
Mi reumatólogo me recetó un biológico, pero mi seguro requiere autorización previa primero.
The biologic costs $3,000 a month, but a manufacturer copay card covers most of it.
El biológico cuesta $3,000 al mes, pero una tarjeta de copago del fabricante cubre la mayor parte.
Ask your doctor if a biosimilar can replace the biologic on your formulary.
Pregúntele a su médico si un biosimilar puede reemplazar el biológico en su formulario.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026