Summary

Biopharmaceuticals represent an exciting frontier in the application of biotechnology and a rapidly developing sector of the pharmaceutical industry. Biopharmaceuticals are distinct from synthetic drugs in that they are derived from biological sources and manufactured using biotechnology. Biopharmaceutical research has already led to the development of therapies for various life-threatening illnesses, including skin cancer and leukemia, among others, and has the potential to yield new breakthroughs for many more. This introductory volume examines the history of biopharmaceuticals, the ins and outs of the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, and the future of the field.