Biopharmaceutical Engineering: Innovations in Drug Development

Awafung Emmanuel

Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, Kampala International University Uganda

Email: awafungadie@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Biopharmaceutical engineering represents a revolutionary frontier in modern medicine, enabling the development of complex biological drugs through advanced biotechnology. Unlike traditional small-molecule drugs, biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies, peptides, recombinant proteins, and gene therapies, are produced in living systems, offering highly specific and effective treatments for chronic and previously untreatable diseases. This paper examines the historical evolution of drug development, contrasts biopharmaceuticals with traditional pharmaceuticals, and highlights the key technologies transforming the sector, including high-throughput screening, fragment-based drug discovery, and Quality by Design (QbD). It delves into the intricacies of formulation, delivery, and quality control, and critically assesses challenges such as sustainability, regulatory compliance, and workforce gaps. Drawing from case studies such as Rituxan and bispecific monoclonal antibodies, the paper demonstrates how innovation and engineering strategies have shortened development cycles and improved drug efficacy. Emerging trends and sustainability frameworks are also examined to propose a roadmap for the future of biopharmaceutical development. Ultimately, the integration of scientific innovation, robust engineering, and sustainable practices is pivotal to shaping the next era of drug discovery and delivery.

Keywords: Biopharmaceuticals, Drug Development, Monoclonal Antibodies, Biosimilars, Recombinant Proteins, Biotechnology, Quality by Design (QbD), Drug Formulation.

CITE AS: Awafung Emmanuel (2025). Biopharmaceutical Engineering: Innovations in Drug Development. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL   JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND   EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 6(3):14-20 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2025/63.1420