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Budget 2026: Biologic medicines were mentioned in the Union Budget 2026-27. Let's explore how they differ from standard medicines.

Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday. One of the most important health-related announcements in this budget was the allocation of ₹10,000 crore under the Biopharma Shakti Yojana. Its aim is to make India a global hub for biological medicines. But what are these biological medicines? Let's understand how they differ from conventional medicines.

What are biologic drugs? 

These drugs are advanced medicines made from living cells rather than chemical compounds. These living systems can include bacteria, yeast, or human and animal cells. Because they are derived from life itself, biologics mimic natural processes in the human body.

Common examples of biologic drugs include vaccines, insulin, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy, and advanced cancer treatments. These drugs are particularly used to treat complex and chronic diseases.

Difference in texture 

The biggest difference between biologics and conventional medicines is their source. Traditional or common medicines, such as paracetamol or aspirin, are made by combining chemicals using formulas developed in a laboratory. Biologic medicines, on the other hand, are grown inside living organisms. They are entirely grown, rather than chemically added.

Meanwhile, common drugs are called small-molecule drugs. Their structures are relatively simple, predictable, and easy to copy. Biologics are much more complex, with molecular structures hundreds of times larger and much more complex. 

What is the process of making 

Chemical drugs can be produced continuously and in large quantities. This is why generic versions are readily available. Biologic drugs, on the other hand, require a highly controlled environment. Even slight changes in temperature, light, or humidity during production can alter the drug's effectiveness. This sensitivity makes biologics difficult to manufacture and quality-check.

Benefits of treatment 

Biologic drugs provide targeted treatments. This means they target specific cells or proteins responsible for the disease. This makes them particularly effective for cancer, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and rare genetic diseases.