Description: A biopharmaceutical is a pharmaceutical product produced using biotechnology, which involves the manipulation of living organisms or their components to develop medications. These products can include proteins, antibodies, hormones, vaccines, and other biological compounds used in the treatment of various diseases. Unlike traditional drugs, which are often synthetic chemical compounds, biopharmaceuticals are generally more complex and can offer more specific and effective treatments. Their production requires advanced techniques in genetic engineering, cell culture, and fermentation, allowing for the creation of products with unique therapeutic properties. The relevance of biopharmaceuticals in modern medicine is significant, as they have revolutionized the treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, improving the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
History: The term ‘biopharmaceutical’ began to gain popularity in the 1980s, coinciding with advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering. One of the most significant milestones was the production of recombinant human insulin in 1982, marking the beginning of a new era in diabetes treatment. Since then, the industry has grown exponentially, with the development of numerous biopharmaceuticals that have transformed therapeutic approaches in various areas of medicine.
Uses: Biopharmaceuticals are used in the treatment of chronic and complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. They are also employed in disease prevention through vaccines and in targeted therapies that aim to attack specific cells in the body. Additionally, biopharmaceuticals can be used in gene therapy and in the production of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of various conditions.
Examples: Examples of biopharmaceuticals include recombinant insulin, used for diabetes treatment, and trastuzumab (Herceptin), a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. Other examples are the COVID-19 vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which use messenger RNA technology to induce an immune response.
