What Are the Four Types of Biologics? Explained Simply

What Are the Four Types of Biologics? Explained Simply

Dec 16, 2025

Oscar Tellez

The Four Main Types of Biologics Explained

Biologics are transforming how clinicians approach healing—especially in orthopedic care. Instead of relying only on drugs or surgery, many practices now use biologic materials to support the body’s own repair systems.

For medical students, healthcare researchers, and curious patients, understanding what are the four types of biologics is essential. These therapies are not interchangeable—they each play a different role in recovery, tissue repair, and long-term joint health.

📌 Related: Biologics in Orthopedics Explained

How Biologics Differ from Traditional Drugs

Before diving into the four main types, it’s helpful to understand what makes biologics unique.

Traditional drugs are made from chemical compounds and work by blocking pain, reducing inflammation, or altering chemical signals in the body.

Biologics, on the other hand, are made from living cells or tissues. They do not simply mask symptoms—they work to influence healing at the source.

Unlike NSAIDs or corticosteroids, biologics may help improve tissue quality, support structural repair, and create a better environment for recovery.

📌 Related: Orthopedic Biologics: Uses and Benefits

Type 1 — Cell-Based Biologics

The first major group in what are the four types of biologics are cell-based biologics. These therapies use living cells—usually from the patient—to stimulate healing in damaged tissues.

Common examples:

  • Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC): Collected from the pelvis; contains stem and progenitor cells

  • Adipose-derived cell preparations: Taken from fat tissue; used in soft tissue and cartilage applications

How they work:

  • May promote tissue regeneration in cartilage, ligaments, and tendons

  • Help regulate inflammation and recruit other cells to the injury site

Typical uses:

  • Early-stage osteoarthritis

  • Chronic tendon or ligament injuries

  • Sports-related soft tissue damage

While research is still developing, these cell-based biologics are considered promising for younger, active patients and those hoping to delay joint replacement.

Type 2 — Platelet-Based Biologics

The second category in what are the four types of biologics are platelet-based biologics. These are prepared from the patient’s blood and concentrate platelets, which are rich in growth factors.

Common examples:

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Concentrated platelets suspended in plasma

  • Platelet lysate: Processed PRP with even more readily available growth factors

How they work:

  • Deliver growth factors like PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF to trigger healing responses

  • Help reduce inflammation and pain in damaged tissue

Typical uses:

  • Tendinopathies (tennis elbow, Achilles tendon)

  • Mild to moderate knee or shoulder osteoarthritis

  • Early cartilage wear

Platelet-based biologics are widely used because they are minimally invasive and have very low risk of rejection.

📌 Related: Biologics for Joint Pain Relief

Type 3 — Tissue-Derived Biologics

The third group in what are the four types of biologics are tissue-derived biologics, which come from human or animal tissue. They are primarily used during or after surgeries to replace or reinforce damaged structures.

Common examples:

  • Bone grafts: Autografts (from the patient) or allografts (from a donor)

  • Demineralized bone matrix (DBM): Processed bone rich in proteins

  • Amniotic membrane grafts: Used to support soft tissue healing

How they work:

  • Provide physical scaffolds that cells can attach to and grow on

  • Deliver proteins that support bone and ligament regeneration

Typical uses:

  • Spinal fusions

  • Trauma surgeries

  • ACL reconstruction

  • Rotator cuff repairs

Tissue-derived biologics are common in orthopedic operating rooms and are well-studied for their structural support role.

📌 Related: Biologics in Surgery and Recovery

Type 4 — Supportive and Scaffold Biologics

The final category in what are the four types of biologics are supportive biologics. These don’t contain living cells but create a favorable environment for other biologics to work effectively.

Common examples:

  • Hyaluronic acid (HA): Provides lubrication inside joints

  • Collagen scaffolds: Offer structure for new tissue growth

  • Biocompatible matrices: Guide cell attachment during healing

How they work:

  • Improve the mechanical environment of joints

  • Reduce friction and cushion damaged tissue

  • Support other cell-based or platelet-based therapies

Typical uses:

  • Mild joint degeneration

  • Post-arthroscopy recovery

  • Combination with PRP or stem cell injections

📌 Related: Types of Orthopedic Biologics Simplified

Where These Four Types Fit in Clinical Care

Although each type has unique roles, they are often combined for better outcomes.

For example:

  • A bone graft (tissue-derived) may be soaked in PRP (platelet-based) before placement.

  • A collagen scaffold (supportive) may be seeded with stem cells (cell-based) for tendon repair.

Biologics are also distinct from common orthopedic drugs like NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Those medications reduce pain or swelling but don’t repair tissue. Biologics aim to support healing and structural restoration—which is why they are increasingly used in sports medicine, trauma, and reconstructive orthopedics.

Research, Safety, and Evidence

All four biologic categories are regulated by the FDA as Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps).

Safety points:

  • Autologous biologics (from the patient) have minimal rejection risk

  • Donor products are sterilized and screened for infectious disease

  • Procedures are performed using sterile technique to avoid infection

While outcomes vary, studies consistently show biologics can improve early healing and reduce downtime in orthopedic care.

It’s worth noting that in autoimmune medicine, some biologics like adalimumab (Humira) are considered the most successful biologic drug—but these are different from orthopedic biologics and work by suppressing the immune system rather than supporting tissue repair.

Key Takeaways

  • This guide explained what are the four types of biologics:

    1. Cell-based biologics

    2. Platelet-based biologics

    3. Tissue-derived biologics

    4. Supportive/scaffold biologics

  • They are used based on injury type, severity, and recovery goals

  • None are instant cures—but they can significantly support healing

  • Understanding these categories helps clinicians, students, and patients make informed treatment decisions

📌 Related: Orthopedic Biologics: Uses and Benefits

About Me

I’m Oscar Tellez, I’ve spent the past 10 years working in regenerative medicine. My focus is on advancing safe, evidence-based applications of PRP, fat, bone marrow, birth tissues such as Wharton’s Jelly, exosomes, and cell factors.I share insights designed to help clinicians responsibly integrate regenerative care into their practice while staying compliant with FDA, FTC, and DEA guidelines.

You can connect with me directly on [Website], [LinkedIn] and [Facebook].

DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. Regenerative medicine products and therapies are subject to FDA, FTC, and DEA regulations. Clinicians should verify compliance and consult with qualified professionals before offering these treatments.