A 21st-century approach to age-old problems: the ascension of biologics in clinical therapeutics.
Small organic molecules have been the pharmaceutical mainstay of the developed world for some time. However, in recent years, advances within the fields of genomics and proteomics have strengthened and given rise to new biologic therapies. Protein therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and peptide drugs, have provided patients with pharmaceuticals that offer a higher level of selectivity and effectiveness that would be otherwise undeliverable within the realm of small organics. In addition to protein therapies, DNA-based therapy, such as RNA interference (RNAi) and gene therapy, have gained renewed interest within modern medicine and are potentially poised for a comeback within the biotechnology industry. As we discuss here, the advantages of such therapies continue to accumulate and have kept the biologic market strong.
Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
Michael J
MJ
Espiritu
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, University of British Columbia, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Abby C
AC
Collier
Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. Electronic address: jbingham@hawaii.edu.
Jon-Paul
JP
Bingham
D000818:Animals; D001688:Biological Products / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D040901:Proteomics / Q000379:methods; D034622:RNA Interference / Q000502:physiology
D001688:Biological Products; D011506:Proteins