Cambridge has long been at the forefront of scientific innovation, playing an important role in the biotechnology revolution that has transformed the development of biological drugs.
This article (featured in our latest issue of Inside Cambridge) highlights the significant contributions of Cambridge scientists to this groundbreaking field.
The shift from small molecules to biological drugs
Traditionally, pharmaceutical drugs were dominated by "small molecules" – compounds with simple structures. However, recent advancements have ushered in a new era of biological drugs, primarily proteins, which are now crucial in treating diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, psoriasis, and age-related macular degeneration.
Biological molecules as therapies
The potential of natural biological molecules as therapeutic agents was recognised as early as the 1920s, with proteins being the initial focus. The treatment of diabetes with insulin, a protein, marked the beginning of this journey. Frederick Sanger, a key figure at Cambridge's Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), determined the amino acid sequence of insulin, paving the way for genetic engineering techniques that enabled large-scale production of recombinant proteins.
The advent of immunotherapy
The next leap in biological therapies involved harnessing the human immune system through engineered antibodies, a method known as immunotherapy. Antibodies, produced by the immune system, are specific to infectious agents. By the 1980s, researchers were exploring the therapeutic potential of antibodies, particularly for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Antibody therapies and Cambridge's innovations
In 1975, César Milstein and Georges Köhler at the LMB developed a method to produce monoclonal antibodies, revolutionising the field. Sir Gregory Winter and his team further advanced this by creating humanised antibodies, using genetic engineering to adapt mouse antibodies for human use. The invention of phage display technology by Cambridge scientists, including Winter and Dr John McCafferty, enabled the creation of human antibodies, leading to the development of adalimumab (Humira), a blockbuster drug for inflammatory conditions.
The impact and legacy of Cambridge's contributions
The success of Humira and similar drugs has spurred the growth of antibody therapeutics, targeting a wide range of diseases. As patents for original biologics expire, biosimilars offer more affordable options, expanding access to these life-changing treatments.
Cambridge's contributions to the biological drugs revolution have been globally recognised, with Nobel Prizes awarded to César Milstein, Georges Köhler, and Gregory Winter. Frederick Sanger's groundbreaking work earned him two Nobel Prizes, underscoring the profound impact of Cambridge's scientific community on modern medicine.
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