Master 2nd year

Semester 3 & Semester 4

Molecular & Cellular Biotherapies (MCB)

Chairpersons

Pr. S. Hacein-Bey-Abina,

PharmD, PhD

University Paris Descartes



UE 3.0 -Seminars & conferences

UE 3.1 - Interdisciplinary week

UE 3.2 - Fundamentals of biotherapy, level I

UE 3.3 - Fundamentals of biotherapy, level 2

UE 3.4 - Biological tools for biotherapy

UE 3.5 - Cell & tissue biotherapy, level I

UE 3.6 - Industrial, biothechnological &

              pharmaceutical strategies


UE 4.0 - Ethical aspects of bioengineering

UE4.1 - Clinical & regulatory aspects

UE 4.2 - Cell & tissue biotherapy, level 2

UE 4.3 - Lab training, research internship


Semester 3

Semester 4

The MCB track concerns two major categories of biotherapeutics applications: cell and gene therapy, and biopharmaceuticals. Cell and gene therapy differs from drug therapy in that it concerns the use of 'custom or "à la carte" therapeutic agents created for a individual patients, a domain in which few manufacturers operate. Biopharmaceuticals are complex macromolecules created by biotechnology, and involve genetic manipulation of living organisms, which differ from conventional chemically synthesized small molecules.

The specific pharmacological and immunological features of biotherapy products, considered to constitute a new generation of drugs, are studied in conjunction with the characteristics of target populations, clinical follow-up, and biological monitoring.

The aim of this track is to train students of advanced scientific level in the field of biotherapy in order to prepare for careers in academia. These students may also find opportunities in industry at the national, European, and international level, particularly in biotechnology and medical research laboratories in teaching hospitals) , as well as in cell and gene therapy firms.


The MCB program is divided into several course units. The first one covers the background and fundamental biological concepts needed to understand the various biotherapeutic approaches. It also provides an introduction to biological considerations involved in the use of therapeutic tools. The second unit addresses each biological system individually. The remaining two units deal with the study of specific examples, industrial aspects, and regulatory issues involved in the use of various types of biotherapeutic tools, as well as to clinical applications.  PDF of course schedule for 2011-2012.