Biopharmaceuticals: meaning, definitions and examples
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biopharmaceuticals
[ˌbaɪoʊˌfɑːrməˈsuːtɪkəls ]
Definition
medical research
Biopharmaceuticals are medical drugs produced using biotechnology. They are typically large, complex molecules that are made by living cells such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells. Biopharmaceuticals have revolutionized the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and genetic disorders.
Synonyms
biologic drugs, biotech drugs.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| biopharmaceuticals |
Scientific, professional, or educational discussions about drugs produced using biotechnology or derived from biological sources. Generally used when emphasizing the production method.
|
| biologic drugs |
Often used in clinical settings or patient-facing communications to refer to medications that are made from living organisms, living cells, or through biologic processes. Commonly used to make the term more relatable to patients or non-specialists.
|
| biotech drugs |
Casual or general conversations, sometimes in marketing or business discussions. Refers to drugs developed through biotechnology but in a more layman-friendly term.
|
Examples of usage
- Many biopharmaceutical companies focus on developing innovative treatments for rare diseases.
- Biopharmaceuticals have fewer side effects compared to traditional pharmaceutical drugs.
- The biopharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing due to advancements in biotechnology.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 'Bio' comes from the Greek word 'bios', meaning 'life', which emphasizes the living aspect of these medicines.
- The term combines 'bio' and 'pharmaceutical', where 'pharmaceutical' stems from 'pharmakon', the Greek word for both 'drug' and 'poison'.
Science
- These medicines often utilize proteins, antibodies, or genes that are derived from living organisms.
- Examples include treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, demonstrating their role in modern medicine.
- Advancements in biotechnology have made it possible to produce these drugs more efficiently and safely.
History
- The use of living organisms for therapeutic purposes dates back to early vaccines, such as the smallpox vaccine developed by Edward Jenner in 1796.
- In the 1980s, the first recombinant DNA-derived drug, insulin, transformed diabetes treatment by using genetically engineered bacteria.
- The growth of this field has led to the establishment of regulatory bodies to ensure safety and efficacy, influencing global health standards.
Pop Culture
- Films and shows often explore bioethical questions, including the use of gene therapy and biotechnology, sparking public interest.
- Popular media sometimes depicts biopharmaceuticals in futuristic scenarios, highlighting their potential to cure diseases that were once deemed untreatable.
Ethics
- There are ongoing debates regarding the affordability and accessibility of biopharmaceuticals, particularly in lower-income regions.
- The use of living organisms raises ethical questions about genetic modification and the potential consequences of human intervention in nature.
Translations
Translations of the word "biopharmaceuticals" in other languages:
🇵🇹 biofármacos
🇮🇳 जैव औषधि
🇩🇪 Biopharmazeutika
🇮🇩 biofarmasi
🇺🇦 біофармацевтика
🇵🇱 biofarmaceutyki
🇯🇵 バイオ医薬品
🇫🇷 biopharmaceutiques
🇪🇸 biofármacos
🇹🇷 biyofarmasötikler
🇰🇷 바이오 의약품
🇸🇦 الأدوية البيولوجية
🇨🇿 biofarmaceutika
🇸🇰 biofarmaceutiká
🇨🇳 生物制药
🇸🇮 biofarmacevtiki
🇮🇸 líflyf
🇰🇿 биофармацевтика
🇬🇪 ბიოფარმაცევტიკა
🇦🇿 biofarmasevtiklər
🇲🇽 biofármacos