This course introduces the student to the field of biotechnology with especial emphasis on its applications in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. The course entails definitions, brief history and major areas of contribution of biotechnology. The course shall also cover modern biotechnology tools and techniques including the principles of recombinant DNA technology (DNA isolation, cutting, ligation (vectors) & replication (PCR.)). In addition, different methods adopted for the manufacturing of biotechnology drug products and their formulation, evaluation and stability aspects as well as potential clinical uses shall be covered. The course shall include stability aspects, biosimilarities and clinical implications of therapeutic proteins. The course shall also discuss the impaction of biotechnology in the diagnostic and therapeutic management and illustrate some examples of marketed biopharmaceuticals as well as anticipate their future prospects. Current some marketed biotechnology drug products, as well as the future prospects of biotechnology shall be discussed.

Pre-requisites: (PHA216, PHA265)