Answers by TheMediTary.Com - Last updated: 14-Jul-2023
Yes, Stelara (ustekinumab) is a biologic. A biologic, also known as a biopharmaceutical, is a class of drugs made from naturally occurring molecules, such as proteins, genes, antibodies, sugars, tissues, or cells. This biologic drug blocks proteins that lead to inflammation.
Stelara is prescribed to treat Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis and ulcerative colitis. Conditions such as these are caused by having an excessive amount of immune system proteins (also known as cytokines) within the body. The excess cytokines cause inflammation that can occur throughout the body. Stelara, a monoclonal antibody, works to reduce inflammation by blocking two specific cytokines, IL-12 and IL-23.