Biotherapeutics Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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biotherapeutics
[ˌbaɪoʊˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪks ]
Definition
medical treatment
Biotherapeutics refer to therapeutic products derived from biological sources, such as antibodies, proteins, or nucleic acids. These products are used to treat various diseases and conditions, often by targeting specific molecules or pathways in the body.
Synonyms
biological therapeutics, biopharmaceuticals.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| biotherapeutics |
Redundant word. Used in the same context as the first instance, referring to treatments derived from biological sources.
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| biological therapeutics |
Often used in formal or academic settings to emphasize that the therapies are derived from living organisms. Typically employed in discussions of complex treatments like gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies, etc.
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| biopharmaceuticals |
Commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry to refer specifically to drugs made from biological sources. This term is frequently employed in commercial and regulatory settings.
|
Examples of usage
- Biotherapeutics have revolutionized the treatment of cancer.
- Many biotherapeutics are designed to modulate the immune system.
- The development of new biotherapeutics requires extensive research and testing.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Biotherapeutics can be made from proteins, cells, or even entire living organisms that assist in curing diseases.
- Many vaccines, including those for influenza and COVID-19, are developed using biotherapeutic approaches.
- Monoclonal antibodies, a type of biotherapeutic, are used to treat various conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases.
History
- The use of living organisms in medicine dates back to the 19th century with the advent of vaccination.
- Insulin, first introduced in 1922 for diabetes treatment, was one of the first biotherapeutic options derived from animals.
- The field has rapidly evolved since the 1980s with advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Pop Culture
- Biotherapeutics have been featured in various sci-fi stories where scientists create living medicines to save humanity.
- Documentaries on biotechnology often showcase the latest breakthroughs in biotherapeutics, highlighting their impact on modern medicine.
- Movies may depict advanced gene therapy methods that stem from biotherapeutic research.
Ethics
- The development of biotherapeutics raises questions about ethical sourcing and manipulation of living organisms.
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) used in some therapies lead to debates about safety and environmental impact.
- Clinical trials for biotherapeutics must navigate complex ethical considerations to ensure patient safety.
Origin of 'biotherapeutics'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'bio-' comes from the Greek word 'bios', meaning 'life'.
- The term 'therapeutics' is derived from the Greek word 'therapeia', which means 'healing' or 'treatment'.
- Together, the words form a concept that signifies healing treatments derived from living organisms.
The term 'biotherapeutics' emerged in the late 20th century with the rise of biotechnology and the development of new therapeutic modalities. As advancements in the field continue, biotherapeutics play an increasingly important role in modern medicine, offering targeted and often more effective treatment options for patients.