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