What is red biotechnology? What are its applications?« Back to Questions List

Red biotechnology is the use of biotechnology in the field of medicine. Biotechnology is the branch of science that deals with modification of living organism for any useful application. Red biotechnology applies biotechnology in medicine for various purposes that have direct bearing on diagnosis, development of drugs and treatment of diseases.

Gene therapy is the branch of red biotechnology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases. Gene therapy also plays a vital role in treatment of other diseases that are caused by changes in genetic makeup of a person. This technology is used in treatment of heart and cancer ailments by replacing or inserting  genes in place of the defective genes. 

Application of biotechnology in assessment of response of human body to drugs and introduction of new drugs is known as pharmacogenomics. It is a combination of genetics and pharmaceuticals and deals with introduction of new drugs suitable for each individual and their genetic makeup. Pharmacogenomics ensures development of custom drugs for different patients based on their gene variation. 

The new drugs that are produced or discovered by application of biotechnology are called biopharmaceutics. It covers assessment of correlation of chemical and physical properties of drugs, dosage, manner of drug administration, drug absorption by the body and therapeutic effect of a drug.  

Another application of biotechnology is in the field of pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics studies the life cycle, from its absorption to excretion, of a drug. It analyses the movement of drug into, through and out of the body and also the response of the body to the drug. 

Genetic testing or genetic screening is the method used to identify genetic mother and father of an individual or ascertaining the ancestry of a person. It also helps in identification of genetic deficiencies that may lead to inherited diseases or development of genetic disorders. Genetic testing consists of a series of biochemical tests and sometimes leads to psychological problems. Hence, genetic counselling is an integral part of genetic testing. 

Virotherapy is another branch of red biotechnology. Using virotherapy, viruses are genetically converted into therapeutic agents and used in treatment. Anti-cancer oncolytic viruses, viral vectors for gene therapy and viral immunotherapy are three branches of virotherapy. 
 

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