ABSTRACT
In the last 20 years, protein-based drugs have become significant weapons in the war against disease [1]. Approximately 1049 million grams of protein-based drugs were produced worldwide in 1999, and their production is expected to rise to 1150 million grams by 2004 [2]. Within a decade, it is estimated that approximately 25% of all drugs in developed countries will fall in this category, especially as the number of candidate therapeutic targets is increased [2].
