The Business of Biotechnology

In a general sense, biotech could be understood as the application of biological research–making use of our practical and scientific knowledge of life. A few examples of types of some top or local biotechnology groups or companies and the areas they target include:

• Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a U.S. agency that works for the prevention and control of diseases
• TGen, a local biotechnology pioneer bringing genomic discoveries to healthcare.
• Monsanto, a successful and profitable agriculture biotechnology innovator
• Pacific Fertility Center, a Fertility Clinic that helps those who suffer from infertility

These groups represent a small cross section of successful but diversified biotechnology companies (and one government agency).

Advantages of Biotechnology

Biotechnology offers many valuable advantages for society:

• Vast potential for innovation
• Capitalizes on the strengths of evolution’s adaptations throughout time
• Makes use of scientific understanding beyond academic research
• Provides solutions for major problems in a wide range of industries including our health care, agriculture, energy production, and livestock industries
• Considered as a front runner in the development of “green technology”
• Promotes sustainability and helps alleviate dependence on harsh chemicals and other unsustainable industrial practices
• Helps increase human safety and promotes survival
• Often improves local and global quality of life measures
• Can increase production yields and help maximize efficiency
• Business of Biotechnology funds further scientific discovery and subsequent innovations

Disadvantages of Biotechnology

• Public perception suffers from frequent misunderstanding due to the inherent complexity of the technologies
• Requires significant investments, research, and development time
• Often requires controlled and specialized facilities, systems, and equipment infrastructure
• Like any advanced technology, biotech can be dangerous in its application and requires care and responsibility
• Is often subject to domestic international import and export restrictions and regulations

Biotechnology Information and Links

We at TransGenada wanted to provide a few resources for those seeking information on biotechnology.

• Wikipedia.org, general information on biotechnology
• NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, a place to check biotechnology stocks
• Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), an organization that advocates and helps support biotechnology companies.
• FDA’s Biotechnology Page, US agency that regulates biotechnology
• Science Magazine, a great resource for science news and publications (can require membership)
• Nature Magazine’s Biotechnology Resource, another great source of published works
• Biotechnology News, another great news resource for biotechnology