Table 2.
Biologic (eg, mAb) | Small-molecule drug | |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | • Large size | • Relatively small size |
Structure | • Complex two- and three-dimensional structure | • Simple chemical structure |
• Assembly in multi-chain Ig complexes | ||
Additional modifications | • Post-translational modifications (eg, glycosylation) | • None |
Production | • Produced in host living-cell systems | • In vitro synthesis of active ingredient |
Processing | • Purification steps | • No purification required |
Stability | • Susceptible to modifications induced by environmental changes (eg, in temperature, moisture, packaging, delivery device) | • Less sensitive to environmental factors |
Abbreviations: Ig, immunoglobulin; mAb, monoclonal antibody.