Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
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Repeat the module |
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Description Background : Recombinant DNA technology has made possible the preparation of large amounts of highly purified and characterized bioactive materials, whilst gene manipulation has enabled the engineering of biotherapeutic products with enhanced pharmacological properties. Compared to conventional small molecule drugs these are large complex products, but they have significant advantages in terms of specificity and efficacy. Such attractive features have triggered an explosion in precision treatment options for widespread diseases such as cancer and diabetes as well as creating new opportunities for the development of therapies for rare diseases and conditions previously untreatable. However, the complexity and sophistication of biotherapeutic production presents unique challenges to the development pipeline as small changes to the manufacturing process can significantly adversely impact product quality, safety, stability, and yield. Therefore, a prerequisite for introducing such biological substances into routine clinical use is to ensure consistency of quality, and for this purpose robust manufacturing processes are developed on the basis of process understanding and characterization, including appropriate in-process controls. Module Aims : Using examples from the pharmaceutical industry, and a field trip to the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research (NIBRT), students will explore and develop an understanding of the steps involved and technical challenges in the biotherapeutic drug development process. Topics studied include target identification, the choice of host expression systems, product purification strategies, process control measures, downstream product characterisation, biological activity assay, safety testing and product formulation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. LO1: (understand) Critical awareness of emerging biotechnologies and new biotherapeutic drug classes. 2. LO2: (understand) Advanced knowledge on how biotherapeutic molecules are manufactured. 3. LO3: (apply) Critically contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the different technologies employed in the manufacture of biotherapeutics. 4. LO4: (analyse) Using examples from the pharmaceutical industry, critically explain the new biotherapeutic development process from initial target identification, including the use of artificial intelligence, to biological activity verification to match clinical endpoints. 5. LO5: (remember) Systematic understanding of the steps involved in bringing a new biotherapeutic to the market, from pre-clinical testing through human clinical trials. 6. LO6: (evaluate) Critical awareness of the meaning and importance of product quality control, with references to the particular challenges associated with biotherapeutics production and to the appropriate regulatory framework. 7. LO6: (apply) Specialised examples of in-process controls and product testing procedures used to ensure product quality standards are met. 8. LO8: (create) Apply advanced knowledge and systematic understanding to design processes for the manufacture and quality assurance of a new biotherapeutic. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
WorkshopUsing examples from the pharmaceutical industry, and a field trip to the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research (NIBRT), students will explore and develop an understanding of the steps involved and technical challenges in the biotherapeutic drug development process. Topics studied include target identification (including the use of AI), the choice of host expression systems, product purification strategies, process control measures, downstream product characterisation, biological activity assay, safety testing and product formulation.FieldworkTrip to a realistic GMP simulated, operational manufacturing environment at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||