CMR Institute | Education for Pharmaceutical Representatives, Biotech, & Medical Device Industries

Medical Applications of Biotechnology

This course describes the basics of cellular biology that are necessary for an understanding of key biotechnological processes. The course also describes the processes and medical applications of key technologies, including recombinant DNA technology, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy, cloning, and stem cell therapy. In addition to current uses for these technologies, predictions for the anticipated medical applications associated with each are presented. The course concludes with a discussion of the regulations and costs associated with biotechnology.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to discuss the history of biotechnology and its medical applications; explain the basics of cellular biology, including the structure and function of human cells, DNA, and proteins; briefly describe the basic processes involved in recombinant DNA technology; discuss new innovations in human gene therapy and stem cell research, and briefly describe the development and therapeutic implications of cloning; discuss monoclonal antibodies and their clinical applications; and discuss the regulation and cost issues associated with the use of biotechnology.

Who Should Take This Course

Sales representatives, managers, and others who interact with those who are involved in the development, application, or utilization of biotechnology-derived products.

Career Applications/Benefits

Biotechnology is a major growth area in medicine. Over 100 medical substances are now derived from biotechnological processes, including human insulin, hematopoietic growth factor, interferons, a number of monoclonal antibodies, tissue plasminogen activator, and vaccines for hepatitis B and Lyme disease. The recent mapping of the Human Genome is expected to result in the identification of thousands of new proteins with potential for medical therapy. This course will be of interest to those working in pharmaceutical companies that produce products using biotechnology, or whose companies partner with biotechnology companies to lend their marketing and sales expertise to ensure the successful launch of drugs derived using biotechnology. This course will also be useful to those currently working with products in a healthcare area where there is intense biotechnological research leading to new drug development, such as oncology, HIV, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other endocrine disorders, or genetic disorders.