How are medications obtained from biotechnology characterized?

Medications obtained from biotechnology are characterized by biochemical synthesis, which involves the use of biological systems or living organisms to produce pharmaceutical products. This process typically includes techniques such as genetic engineering, fermentation, and cell culture, allowing for the development of drugs that may mimic natural processes or are designed to treat specific diseases.

This method stands in contrast to traditional methods of extracting substances from nature, which may include natural proteins, herbal methods, or mineral extraction. While natural proteins can be an outcome of biotechnological processes, they are not the sole defining characteristic of medications produced this way. Rather, the hallmark of biotechnology is its innovative use of biochemical technology to synthesize complex molecules that can improve therapeutic outcomes.