FAQs about Modalities
What is a modality?
Modality is a broad, generic term. In medicine, healthcare, biotech, life sciences, or pharmaceuticals, a “modality” refers to a method or approach that is used to diagnosis, treat, or prevent a disease or disorder. Broadly, a modality could be a piece of equipment (an X-ray machine, an MRI instrument, a catheter, etc.), a form of treatment (surgery or radiation), an intervention strategy (weight loss or vaccine), or an active pharmaceutical (a drug).
For example, there are several available modalities for treating cystic fibrosis. There are techniques (airway clearance physical therapy), devices (inflatable vest), and FDA approved drugs (Kalydeco).
What is the difference between a modality and a therapeutic?
A “therapeutic” is a type of modality. “Modality” is a broad term and includes methods or approaches beyond therapeutics. A therapeutic is also referred to as a therapeutic modality.
For example, an MRI instrument is a modality. But an MRI instrument is not used as a therapy for a disease or disorder, but is used to diagnosis a disease or disorder.
What are therapeutic modalities?
Therapeutic modalities (also called therapeutics) are methods or compositions to treat diseases or disorders.
For example, surgery (a method) is a therapeutic modality for treating cancer. Also, Keytruda, a FDA approved drug (a composition), is a therapeutic modality for treating cancer.
Why are modalities so important in biotech, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals?
Numerous biotech, life science and pharmaceutical companies earn revenue by selling modalities (equipment, devices, pharmaceutical drugs, etc) for diagnosing, treating, or preventing diseases or disorders.
What are the main categories of therapeutic modalities?
The main categories of therapeutic modalities are small molecule drugs, protein-based drugs (antibodies, etc.), gene therapy, cell therapy, and RNA therapy.
What is the most popular therapeutic modality?
The highest selling drug in the world is Keytruda (an antibody). However, more small molecule drugs are approved each year by the FDA than any other modality.
How do you learn about therapeutic modalities?
There is no college degree for “therapeutic modalities,” nor any Ph.D. program. This is because the field of therapeutic modalities is incredibly broad. It is common for a Ph.D. chemist to have deep knowledge in synthesizing a small molecule drug and no experience in gene therapy.
Many professionals in life sciences, biotech, and pharmaceuticals learn as they go, or are self-taught. This is why Science for Bankers was created – to provide a system or program that educates on therapeutic modalities.
If you are a professional in life science, biotech or pharmaceuticals, how do you learn the science?
Many professionals in life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceuticals are self-taught. Even a Ph.D. in cellular biology does not mean understanding the difference between a fusion protein and an siRNA.
This is why Science for Bankers’ premium content was created. A program designed to cover all the major therapeutic modalities, and beyond.
How can Science for Bankers help me?
Science for Bankers’ premium gives you access to a program that covers everything you need to know about therapeutic modalities. It is an asynchronous program that you can complete on your own time, at your own pace.
