Description: Biopharmaceuticals are drugs produced using biotechnology, which involves the use of living organisms or their components to develop treatments. These drugs are characterized by their structural complexity and their ability to interact specifically with biological processes. Unlike traditional medications, which are often synthetic chemical compounds, biopharmaceuticals can include proteins, antibodies, hormones, and nucleic acids. Their production typically occurs in biological systems, such as mammalian cells, bacteria, or yeast, allowing for greater precision in formulating targeted treatments. The relevance of biopharmaceuticals lies in their potential to treat complex diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders, offering more effective alternatives with fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments. Furthermore, their development is constantly evolving, driven by advances in biotechnology and genetics, promising a bright future in personalized medicine and improving patients’ quality of life.
History: Biopharmaceuticals began to be developed in the 1980s, with the introduction of recombinant insulin, which was one of the first biopharmaceuticals approved for clinical use. This advancement marked a milestone in medical biotechnology, as it allowed the production of insulin from genetically modified bacteria, solving issues of scarcity and purity of insulin extracted from animals. Since then, the industry has grown exponentially, with the approval of numerous biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies, which have transformed the treatment of various diseases.
Uses: Biopharmaceuticals are primarily used in the treatment of complex and chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders. They are also employed in hormone replacement therapy and in the prevention of infectious diseases through vaccines. Their ability to target specific molecules in the human body allows for a more personalized and effective approach compared to traditional treatments.
Examples: Examples of biopharmaceuticals include recombinant insulin, used to treat diabetes; trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of breast cancer; and the gene therapy Zolgensma, which treats spinal muscular atrophy. These biopharmaceuticals have proven crucial in managing diseases that previously lacked effective treatments.
