72966 - Research and Development of Recombinant and Biological Drugs

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has the basic knowledge about the genetic-molecular approaches for the recombinant production of new drugs, as well as the protein engineering techniques for the improvement of their pharmaco-kinetic characteristics.

Course contents

The course is divided into two modules:

Module 1 (2 CFU) – Dr. Monica Barone
Use of microbial hosts (bacteria and yeasts) and mammalian cell lines for the production of recombinant drugs (protein hormones, fibrinolytics, coagulants, anticoagulants). Industrial scale-up and downstream. Protein engineering approaches to improve the pharmacokinetic characteristics of recombinant drugs.

Module 2 (2 CFU) – Prof. Patrizia Brigidi
Development of recombinant organisms for the production of biological drugs (chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, immunotoxins). Targeting of drugs through immuno-proteins.

Readings/Bibliography

Papers and reviews suggested by the teacher.

Teaching methods

Lessons will address the development and employment of genetically modified organisms in the pharmaceutical industrial sector, discussing also patents and scientific papers.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning takes place through final oral examination, which tends to ensure the acquisition of knowledge on topics related to the main learning objectives of the course:
- Industrial use of microorganisms for the production of primary and secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical interest;
- Use of recombinant microorganisms for the industrial production of heterologous proteins of pharmaceutical interest;
- Approaches of protein engineering to modify drug-kinetic characteristics of recombinant proteins;
- Development of biologics.

Teaching tools

PC, projector.

Office hours

See the website of Patrizia Brigidi

See the website of Monica Barone