ENZYMES: REVOLUTIONIZING DRUG DISCOVERY, MANUFACTURING AND TREATMENT
Enzymes stand at the forefront of transformative advancements in pharmaceutical and therapeutic realms, reshaping the landscape of drug development, manufacturing, and targeted delivery. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted applications of enzymes in these sectors, elucidating their profound influence on drug discovery, formulation, and therapeutic strategies. In drug discovery, enzymes accelerate high-throughput screening, allowing for rapid evaluation of potential drug candidates. Protein engineering, using enzymes like DNA polymerases, facilitates the creation of custom-designed proteins, leading to more precise drug development. Additionally, enzymes contribute to structure-based drug design by providing insights into protein-ligand interactions, enabling the rational design of effective therapeutics. The influence of enzymes extends to pharmaceutical manufacturing. Their catalytic power optimizes chemical reactions, promoting sustainability by reducing reliance on harsh chemicals. The burgeoning field of biopharmaceuticals, encompassing monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins, further emphasizes the indispensability of enzymes. Despite these advancements, enzyme sensitivity to environmental conditions and storage stability remain a major challenge and require further attention. Ongoing research in enzyme engineering and synthetic biology aims to create novel enzymes with enhanced properties. As the role of enzymes in the pharmaceutical and therapeutic realms continues to evolve, they promise innovative solutions to tackle current healthcare challenges.
Keywords: Biocatalysis, Biopharmaceuticals, Drug discovery, Enzymes, Protein engineering, Therapeutic enzymes
*Correspondence: ezike.chi@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng, 08033685169
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