Osher Lifelong Learning Institute presents Introduction to Biotech Drugs: From Insulin to Gene Therapy.

Six sessions: January 14-February 18, 11am-12:20pm

$90 (plus $25 OLLI membership)

There is a lot in the news about the newest drugs for cancer, obesity, diabetes, and genetic disorders that all fall under the category of biotechnology. But what is “biotech,” and how does it differ from traditional drug development? 

This course will explore the history of biotechnology in drug development, starting with insulin and bringing us to the present day of gene therapy.

The instructor will explain the basic principles of biology that allowed the discovery and manufacturing of drugs like insulin and explain the basic biology of the immune system that allows drugs like Keytruda to be developed and work against cancer.