Biotechnology: Present and Future Roles in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Biotechnology is the integration of a number of scientific disciplines including microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and chemical engineering. It uses living organisms, or systems or products from these organisms to make or modify useful products. New biotechnology comprises genetic engineering, protoplast fusion and monoclonal antibody techniques, powerful new “tools” designed to generate efficient bioprocesses and products for the pharmaceutical industry. The following areas of biotechnology are highlighted: human insulin, interferons and other growth factors, neuroactive peptides, blood products, antibiotics, enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and oncogenes.