Biotechnological Drugs in Therapy
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to deepen knowledge on the pharmacology and pharmacotherapy of the biotechnological drugs available in the clinic but also to address issues relating to the most recent innovative therapies.
Furthermore, knowledge will be provided for the identification of new therapeutic targets and the design of innovative biotechnological drugs.
Furthermore, knowledge will be provided for the identification of new therapeutic targets and the design of innovative biotechnological drugs.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have acquired in-depth knowledge of the biotechnological drugs already in use and will be able to apply it for the identification of new targets and consequent design and study of innovative drugs.
The student will also have acquired the skills to evaluate the clinical study design for the development of biotechnological drugs and evaluate the primary and secondary endpoints.
The student will also have acquired the skills to evaluate the clinical study design for the development of biotechnological drugs and evaluate the primary and secondary endpoints.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Principles of biotechnology: bioethics, biomarkers, personalized medicine, pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, omics, genetic engineering, oligonucleotides, recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies.
Biotechnological drugs and their development:
pharmacology of cardiometabolic disorders (dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity); pharmacology of hemostasis (anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs); replacement therapy (hematopoietic factors, hormones, enzymes); pharmacology of autoimmune diseases (cytokine inhibitors); CNS pharmacology, antiviral chemotherapy; antineoplastic chemotherapy.
Advanced therapies: gene therapy, cell therapy.
Biotechnological drugs and their development:
pharmacology of cardiometabolic disorders (dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity); pharmacology of hemostasis (anticoagulant and antithrombotic drugs); replacement therapy (hematopoietic factors, hormones, enzymes); pharmacology of autoimmune diseases (cytokine inhibitors); CNS pharmacology, antiviral chemotherapy; antineoplastic chemotherapy.
Advanced therapies: gene therapy, cell therapy.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must know the principles underlying the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes, integrating knowledge of general pharmacology and biochemistry. He/she must also possess the fundamental notions of physiology and pathophysiology.
Teaching methods
The course combines traditional frontal lectures with interactive learning activities.
Lectures are designed to provide students with the fundamental theoretical knowledge of biotechnological drugs, including their mechanisms of action, development strategies, and major therapeutic applications.
Interactive learning activities involve small-group work aimed at the critical re-elaboration of topics covered during the lectures. Students will engage in the analysis and discussion of case studies focused on specific biotechnological drugs and diseases, with the objective of understanding how scientific research has contributed to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and advances in the field.
Group activities will be followed by plenary sessions led by the teacher, during which the results of the group work will be presented and discussed. These sessions will foster critical reflection, encourage scientific discussion, and provide further clarification and integration of the concepts explored during the collaborative activities.
Lectures are designed to provide students with the fundamental theoretical knowledge of biotechnological drugs, including their mechanisms of action, development strategies, and major therapeutic applications.
Interactive learning activities involve small-group work aimed at the critical re-elaboration of topics covered during the lectures. Students will engage in the analysis and discussion of case studies focused on specific biotechnological drugs and diseases, with the objective of understanding how scientific research has contributed to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and advances in the field.
Group activities will be followed by plenary sessions led by the teacher, during which the results of the group work will be presented and discussed. These sessions will foster critical reflection, encourage scientific discussion, and provide further clarification and integration of the concepts explored during the collaborative activities.
Teaching Resources
Calabrese F, Racagni G "Principi di biotecnologie mediche e farmaceutiche", casa editrice Edra
Calabrese F, Molteni R, Racagni G "Farmaci biotecnologici e terapie avanzate", casa editrice Edra
Ho RJY, Gibaldi M "Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals", Wiley-Liss
Materiale fornito dal docente reperibile su ariel
Calabrese F, Molteni R, Racagni G "Farmaci biotecnologici e terapie avanzate", casa editrice Edra
Ho RJY, Gibaldi M "Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals", Wiley-Liss
Materiale fornito dal docente reperibile su ariel
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a written examination lasting 90 minutes. The exam will consist of four open-ended questions, each worth up to 5 points, and ten multiple-choice questions, each worth up to 1 point (only one correct answer; no points will be awarded for incorrect or unanswered questions).
Assessment will be based on the accuracy and completeness of the answers, the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the field of biotechnological therapeutics, the appropriate use of scientific terminology, and clarity of presentation.
The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale and communicated according to the procedures established by the University.
Assessment will be based on the accuracy and completeness of the answers, the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to the field of biotechnological therapeutics, the appropriate use of scientific terminology, and clarity of presentation.
The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale and communicated according to the procedures established by the University.
BIOS-11/A - Pharmacology - University credits: 8
Exercises: 16 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Professors:
Calabrese Francesca, Ossoli Alice Federica
Professor(s)