How is biotechnology used in medicine?
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Biotechnology within current medicine has been serving a very crucial role and changing the aspect of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. One such large application is the field of new drug and therapy developments. This technique allows development of biologics, as they are called, liRead more
Biotechnology within current medicine has been serving a very crucial role and changing the aspect of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. One such large application is the field of new drug and therapy developments. This technique allows development of biologics, as they are called, like monoclonal antibodies to target specific components of diseases, such as cancer.
Another huge application of biotechnology in medicine is genetic engineering. For instance, CRISPR-Cas9 technologies, which enable the specific editing of DNA, promise to effect cures for disorders with a genetic basis, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. This technology further contributes to the development of gene therapy by making possible the replacement of defective genes with normal ones.
Biotechnology also gives new dimensions to diagnostics. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) including next-generation sequencing, advanced molecular diagnostic technologies have been developed for the early and accurate identification of diseases at a genetic level. This forms a basis that supports the paradigm of personalized medicine using precision in treatment by basing its actions on the individual genetic constitution.
Additionally, the production of vaccines against COVID-19 using biotechnology uses mRNA to develop immunity without subjecting the individual to the live form of the virus. This has hastened the development and rollout of such vaccines and has been the best demonstration of how biotechnology translates into public health.
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