VPT 311: General and Systemic Veterinary Pharmacology (2+1)

BIOPHARMACEUTICALS 

• These are therapeutic agents produced through biotechnological means, but not by conventional laboratory (chemical) synthesis.
• Biopharmaceuticals have their origin from the advancement in the knowledge of biotechnology and molecular cell biology.
• Biopharmaceuticals popularly called as “Designer Proteins” are the promising therapeutic tolls of the future.
• Examples are functional human peptides such as: 
• ADH, oxytocin, GnRH, ACTH, TSH/TRH, Calcitonin, Insulin,  Somatostatin, Growth Hormone, Cyclosporin etc., and
• Enzymes / proteins (Streptokinase, Asparaginase, DNAase, glucocerebrosidase, erythropoietin, clotting factors, interferons, Monoclonal Antibodies, Vaccines etc) Daclizumab(Zenopox).
• Genetically engineered human IgG (immunosuppressant monoclonal antibody binds specifically to a-chain of IL₂ receptor) used to lower the rate of rejection phenomenon in kidney transplant recipients.
• Through DNA recombinant technology, bacteria are induced to produce hormones like insulin and growth hormone and enzymes like L – asparaginase.