Biologics are highly selective, large molecule drugs that are engineered in the lab and produced by cells. Biologics are highly effective therapeutic solutions because they are safe, have few side effects, are potent, and offer a high probability of success in clinical trials. They are one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical sectors, with anticipated sales of $456B by 2027. Fifty-three new drugs were approved in 2020, with 14 of those – or over 26% – being biologics.
UT faculty have been active in the development of multiple types of biologics, including:
Vaccines
Enzymes
Antibodies
Peptides
Our faculty were the first to develop engineered human enzymes for cancer therapy, with therapies now in clinical trials. In addition to UT’s role in developing the COVID-19 vaccine, our faculty have also developed vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough) and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, the single most common cause of respiratory hospitalization in infants.
