What does pharmaceutical biotechnology focus on?

Pharmaceutical biotechnology specifically focuses on discovering and developing drugs that are derived from biological processes. This area of biotechnology leverages biological systems, such as living cells or their components, to create effective therapeutic solutions. It plays a crucial role in drug development methodologies that include recombinant DNA technology, monoclonal antibody production, and the use of biological markers for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

By utilizing biological processes, pharmaceutical biotechnology produces a wide range of biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and gene therapies, which often have fewer side effects and are more effective than traditional chemically synthesized drugs. The emphasis is on harnessing and manipulating biological organisms or systems to create innovative treatments for various health conditions, which distinguishes this field from other areas such as agricultural biotechnology or energy systems.