Biotechnology themes

Developing Biopharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals are defined as biological macromolecules or cellular components that are extracted or synthesised from biological sources that can be used as a therapy or in diagnostics.

Members of our school with expertise in molecular biophysics, structural biology, virology and microbiology have key interests in exploiting their research for improved biopharmaceutical manufacture.

Work in this area ranges from the development of precision drugs using either chemical compounds or macromolecules, understanding protein folding towards ensuring biopharmaceutical stability and safety, the application of Affimer reagents to intervene in biological pathways, and the study of viruses to develop vaccines against outbreaks that can damage both human and agricultural populations.

More detail can be found through the individual staff profiles listed below.

View our academics within Developing Biopharmaceuticals

View our postdoctoral researchers within Developing Biopharmaceuticals

View our PhD students within Developing Biopharmaceuticals

Name

Area of expertise

Professor Richard Bayliss
Professor in Molecular Medicine 

Nanobodies and peptide-based inhibitors of enzymes and protein-protein interactions 

Dr David Brockwell
Associate Professor

Biophysical analysis of aggregation mechanisms of proteins and biopharmaceuticals 

Professor Michael McPherson
Professor of Biomolecular Engineering

Investigation of Affimer proteins as therapeutic interventions particularly related to anti-microbial resistance 

Professor Sheena Radford
Astbury Professor of Biophysics

Biophysical analysis of aggregation mechanisms of proteins and biopharmaceuticals 

Professor David Rowlands
Emeritus Professor of Molecular Virology

Generation and characterisation of virus-like particles as novel vaccines and vaccine scaffolds 

Dr Ryan Seipke
Lecturer in Bacteriology 

Unlocking the expression of cryptic microbial biosynthetic pathways to discover novel chemical scaffolds 

Prof Frank Sobott
Chair in Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry

Using mass spectrometry methods to investigate protein structure from sequence to folding and interactions.

Professor Nicola Stonehouse
Professor of Molecular Virology

Generation and characterisation of virus-like particles as novel vaccines and vaccine scaffolds 

Dr Darren Tomlinson
Associate Professor
Development of Affimer reagents as biopharmaceuticals for treating diseases