Introduction Drug discovery has undergone significant development as a result of advances in biotechnology, which has become one of the essential tools for developing new and more precise treatments. Molecular biology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics have contributed to improving the understanding of disease mechanisms and identifying appropriate therapeutic targets. This has supported a transition from traditional drug discovery methods toward approaches based on a molecular understanding of diseases. The Role of Biotechnology in Drug Discovery Biotechnology enables the study of genes, proteins, and cellular pathways associated with diseases, allowing researchers to identify drug targets that can be influenced to treat specific conditions. Genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics are used to analyze molecular changes in diseased cells and compare them with healthy cells. Genetic engineering also contributes to the large-scale production of therapeutic proteins. One of its important applications is the production of recombinant human insulin, in addition to various hormones, growth factors, and other biopharmaceutical products. Biopharmaceuticals and Monoclonal Antibodies Biotechnology has led to the development of a wide range of biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies. These therapeutic agents can specifically target molecules associated with diseases and are therefore widely used in the treatment of various conditions, particularly cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory disorders. Modern biotechnological techniques have also supported the development of more specific antibodies and therapeutic systems capable of delivering drugs to targeted cells, thereby improving treatment efficacy and reducing certain adverse effects. Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Bioinformatics has become an important tool for analyzing genetic, protein, and chemical data related to drug discovery. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also increasingly being used to predict the effectiveness and properties of drug candidates and to identify promising compounds for laboratory testing. This integration can reduce the time and resources required during the early stages of drug discovery. However, computational results must be validated through laboratory and clinical studies. Biotechnology and Modern Therapies Biotechnology has contributed to the development of modern therapies, including gene therapy, cell therapy, and advanced vaccines. Gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas provide new opportunities to study disease-associated genes and develop therapeutic strategies for certain genetic disorders. Biotechnology has also contributed to the development of vaccines based on advanced platforms, including messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which has provided new opportunities for rapid and flexible vaccine development. Challenges and Future Perspectives Despite significant advances, pharmaceutical biotechnology faces several challenges, including the high costs of research and production, the complexity of manufacturing biopharmaceuticals, and the need for careful evaluation of safety and efficacy. Gene and cell therapies also require long-term studies to assess their potential effects over extended periods. Continued advances in biotechnology, together with artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and precision medicine, are expected to contribute to the development of more targeted and effective drugs. These advances may also improve researchers’ ability to treat complex diseases according to the molecular characteristics of individual patients. Conclusion Biotechnology represents one of the most important modern approaches to drug discovery and development. It has contributed to the identification of new therapeutic targets, the production of biopharmaceuticals, and the development of gene therapies, cell therapies, and advanced vaccines. By integrating these technologies with artificial intelligence and precision medicine, further progress can be achieved in developing safe and effective treatments that meet patients’ needs and support the future of healthcare. AL_mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq