Production of insulin, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies

1. Introduction to Biotechnology in Medicine

Biotechnology has revolutionized the field of medicine by providing advanced treatment options.
Major applications include the production of insulin, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies.
These innovations have helped in the treatment of diabetes, infectious diseases, and cancer.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and is used to treat diabetes.
Earlier, insulin was extracted from the pancreas of animals (pigs and cattle), which led to allergic reactions in some patients.
The development of recombinant DNA technology enabled the production of human insulin in bacteria.
The first genetically engineered insulin, known as Humulin, was developed in 1983.
Steps in insulin production using biotechnology:
- The human insulin gene is inserted into a plasmid vector.
- The recombinant plasmid is introduced into Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.
- The bacteria produce insulin, which is then purified and used as a drug.
Advantages of recombinant insulin:
- Does not cause allergic reactions like animal-derived insulin.
- Can be produced in large quantities at a lower cost.
- Ensures a consistent quality and supply for diabetic patients.

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to provide protection against infectious diseases.
Types of vaccines:
- Live attenuated vaccines: Contain weakened pathogens (e.g., MMR vaccine).
- Inactivated vaccines: Contain killed pathogens (e.g., Polio vaccine).
- Subunit vaccines: Contain specific antigens (e.g., Hepatitis B vaccine).
- Recombinant vaccines: Produced using genetic engineering (e.g., HPV vaccine).
Biotechnology has enabled the development of DNA and mRNA vaccines, such as COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna).
Process of vaccine production:
- Pathogen antigens are identified and isolated.
- Genetic engineering is used to produce recombinant antigens.
- These antigens are used to create a vaccine that triggers an immune response.
Advantages of biotechnology-based vaccines:
- More effective and safer than traditional vaccines.
- Can be produced quickly during pandemics.
- Long-lasting immunity with fewer side effects.

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules designed to act like natural antibodies.
They are used to treat diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and viral infections.
Production of monoclonal antibodies:
- A specific antigen is injected into a mouse to stimulate antibody production.
- B-lymphocytes (antibody-producing cells) are extracted from the mouse.
- B-lymphocytes are fused with myeloma cells (cancer cells) to form hybridoma cells.
- Hybridoma cells produce large quantities of monoclonal antibodies, which are purified for medical use.
Uses of monoclonal antibodies:
- Cancer therapy: Targeted treatment for breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia.
- Autoimmune diseases: Used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
- COVID-19 treatment: Used in antibody-based therapies.
- Diagnostic tests: Used in pregnancy tests and HIV detection.
Advantages of monoclonal antibodies:
- Highly specific and effective in disease treatment.
- Fewer side effects compared to conventional drugs.
- Can be used for targeted drug delivery.

Biotechnology has transformed medicine by enabling the production of insulin, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies.
Recombinant insulin provides a safe and effective treatment for diabetes.
Modern vaccines protect against deadly diseases and pandemics.
Monoclonal antibodies offer targeted therapies for cancer and immune disorders.
These innovations continue to improve global healthcare and quality of life.