Abstract
This is an extensive and unmatched compilation of comprehensive, in-depth current knowledge and history of biopharmaceuticals captured in 4 volumes of literature. As the biopharmaceutical industry is built on molecular knowledge, these book volumes are appropriately dedicated to the eminent Francis Crick who, along with James Watson and Maurice Wilkins, received the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine for their work in elucidating the structure of DNA. The material is well written and provides an executive summary and a list of all contributors prior to the detailed chapters that describe the biopharmaceuticals used in molecular medicine, their mode of action, their production, their advanced application routes and the FDA and EU regulatory environment surrounding this industry. An abstract for abbreviated assessment and a list of noteworthy abbreviations are also provided at the commencement of each chapter. These volumes are considered suitable reading for those with limited or extensive background in this area and will be of utility to both the student and researcher. Although the material in these volumes does not address the more traditional aspects of pathology, the information would nevertheless provide extensive background and be of interest to veterinary pathologists working in diverse areas such as assessing gene therapeutic approaches, imaging technologies, the coagulation cascade, genetically modified animals and the regulatory environment, to mention a few. The editor provides details regarding the background of the many contributors, many of whom are eminent scientists who have pioneered the work in many of the subject areas. There is an attempt to always provide some history on each subject or technology which serves to provide the reader with an overview of background and the material presented is accurate in content to current knowledge. These volumes contain more than 480 black and white and color illustrations that I would not categorize as excellent but are of adequate quality and suitability. The references are variable, being very adequate after some chapters but abbreviated in others, and the subject index is considered adequate although may be somewhat shorter than texts of comparable extent. It is noteworthy that these four volumes are a gallant attempt by the author to provide readers with an overall assessment of the current status of the biopharmaceuticals industry in an unmatched scope. The author is commended for this grand effort.