Biologic Therapy
in Singapore
Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions occur when the immune system remains overactive, leading to ongoing inflammation that can damage the joints, muscles and other organs over time. When this inflammation cannot be adequately controlled with conventional medications, biologic therapy may be recommended to target specific parts of the immune system responsible for driving disease activity.
What Is Biologic
Therapy?
Biologic therapy refers to a group of targeted medications used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions by acting on specific parts of the immune system involved in causing inflammation. Unlike conventional medications, which may affect the immune system more broadly, biologics are designed to block particular cells or proteins that contribute to the disease process.
These medications are produced using living cells or other biological processes rather than conventional chemical manufacturing methods. By targeting the underlying immune pathways involved in inflammation, biologic therapy can help reduce disease activity, relieve symptoms and lower the risk of ongoing joint or organ damage.
When Is Biologic Therapy Recommended?
Not everyone with an autoimmune or inflammatory condition requires biologic therapy. These medications are generally considered when disease activity remains uncontrolled despite conventional treatments, when there is a risk of ongoing inflammation leading to joint or organ damage, or when certain conditions are known to respond well to targeted therapy.
Biologic therapy may be recommended for conditions such as:
Before recommending biologic therapy, your rheumatologist will carefully assess your diagnosis, disease activity, previous treatments and overall health to determine whether it is the most appropriate treatment option for your individual condition.
What Assessments Are Conducted Before Starting
Biologic Therapy?
Before biologic therapy is started, your rheumatologist will carry out a comprehensive assessment to confirm that the treatment is appropriate for your condition and to minimise the risk of complications.
Clinical Assessment
Your rheumatologist will review your diagnosis, disease activity, previous treatments, current medications and overall health. This assessment helps determine whether biologic therapy is appropriate and which medication may be most suitable for your condition.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are performed to assess your general health and establish a baseline before treatment begins. Depending on your condition, these may include tests to evaluate your blood counts, liver and kidney function, inflammatory markers and other factors that may influence treatment.
Infection Screening
Because biologic therapy affects specific parts of the immune system, screening for certain infections is recommended before treatment begins. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include screening for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, as well as other investigations where appropriate.
The results of these assessments are considered together with your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health to determine whether biologic therapy is suitable and to help ensure treatment can be started safely.
What Happens After Starting Biologic Therapy?
Once biologic therapy has been initiated, your rheumatologist will monitor your progress through regular follow-up appointments to assess how well your condition is responding to treatment.
Depending on your individual condition, follow-up care may include:
Monitoring changes in your symptoms and disease activity
Assessing for any potential side effects or complications
Repeat blood tests where appropriate to monitor your response to treatment
Adjusting your medication if your condition or treatment needs change
Continuing long-term follow-up to help maintain disease control
Regular monitoring helps ensure that your treatment remains effective while supporting your long-term health and wellbeing.
Comprehensive Biologic Therapy at
Aaria Rheumatology
For some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, ongoing inflammation can lead to progressive joint or organ damage if it is not adequately controlled. When conventional treatments are not providing sufficient disease control, biologic therapy may offer a more targeted approach to managing inflammation and reducing disease activity.
At Aaria Rheumatology, patients receive personalised assessment, treatment and ongoing monitoring throughout biologic therapy. As a rheumatologist, clinical immunologist and allergist, Dr Anindita Santosa brings expertise across rheumatic, immunological and allergic conditions to determine whether biologic therapy is appropriate for each patient.
If your autoimmune or inflammatory condition remains poorly controlled despite treatment, book an appointment with Dr Anin to discuss whether biologic therapy may be suitable for you.
