Monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology represents another pillar. These Y-shaped proteins are designed to bind to specific antigens (e.g., cancer cell markers). By attaching toxins or immune activators to these antibodies, biotechnologists created "guided missiles" like Rituximab (for lymphoma) and Trastuzumab (for breast cancer), which kill malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue.
The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the power of mRNA biotechnology. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna did not inject a virus or protein; they injected mRNA instructions that told human cells to produce the spike protein, triggering immunity. This platform allows for vaccine development in under 48 hours. Future applications include mRNA cancer vaccines tailored to an individual patient’s tumor mutations, as well as in vivo CAR-T cell generation. pharmaceutical biotechnology pv publication pdf
The backbone of pharmaceutical biotechnology lies in recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. Before 1982, human insulin was extracted from pigs and cattle, leading to allergic reactions and supply issues. With rDNA, scientists inserted the human insulin gene into E. coli bacteria, turning them into microscopic factories. This breakthrough paved the way for other recombinant proteins, including human growth hormone (hGH), erythropoietin (EPO) for anemia, and clotting factors for hemophilia. The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the power of mRNA