Therapeutic proteins are biologically derived molecules that have a specific therapeutic effect on the body. They are used to treat a wide range of diseases and medical conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. Therapeutic proteins are produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves the expression of the desired protein in a host organism, such as bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells.

Examples of therapeutic proteins include:

1. Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-made molecules designed to mimic the immune system’s ability to recognize and neutralize harmful pathogens or cells. Monoclonal antibodies are used to treat various diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infections. Examples include trastuzumab (Herceptin) for breast cancer, adalimumab (Humira) for rheumatoid arthritis, and rituximab (Rituxan) for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
2. Hormones: Hormones are signaling molecules that regulate various physiological processes in the body. Therapeutic hormones can be used to replace or supplement the body’s natural hormone production in cases of deficiency or imbalance. Examples include insulin for diabetes, erythropoietin (EPO) for anemia, and human growth hormone (HGH) for growth disorders.
3. Enzymes: Enzymes are proteins that catalyze specific biochemical reactions. Therapeutic enzymes can be used to replace missing or dysfunctional enzymes in patients with genetic or metabolic disorders. Examples include imiglucerase (Cerezyme) for Gaucher’s disease, alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme) for Pompe disease, and agalsidase beta (Fabrazyme) for Fabry disease.
4. Cytokines: Cytokines are small proteins involved in cell signaling and immune system regulation. Therapeutic cytokines can be used to modulate immune responses or stimulate the production of blood cells. Examples include interferons for multiple sclerosis and hepatitis, interleukins for cancer immunotherapy, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for neutropenia.
5. Blood coagulation factors: These proteins play essential roles in the blood clotting process. Therapeutic blood coagulation factors can be used to treat bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia. Examples include Factor VIII for hemophilia A and Factor IX for hemophilia B.
6. Anticoagulants and thrombolytics: These proteins help regulate blood clotting and can be used to treat or prevent blood clot-related conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or stroke. Examples include tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for dissolving blood clots and hirudin as an anticoagulant.

Therapeutic proteins have revolutionized the treatment of many diseases, offering targeted and effective therapies with reduced side effects compared to traditional small-molecule drugs. Ongoing research and development in the field of protein therapeutics continue to expand the range of diseases that can be treated and improve the quality of life for many patients.