What is a significant characteristic of biopharmaceuticals compared to traditional options?

Biopharmaceuticals are often larger and more complex compared to traditional pharmaceuticals. This complexity arises from their biological origins, usually derived from living organisms such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. They can include proteins, nucleic acids, or living cells and tend to have intricate structures that affect their function and interaction with the body.

In contrast, traditional pharmaceuticals, which are primarily small molecules, are typically synthesized through chemical processes and have simpler structures. The size and complexity of biopharmaceuticals lead to different manufacturing processes, stability concerns, and modes of action, all of which are key aspects that distinguish them from conventional drugs. This characteristic also necessitates specialized methods of delivery and administration, further highlighting the differences between the two categories of therapeutics.