Biotech companies create products that are beneficial to people, including drugs and therapies that may save lives, improve yields on farms, and create sustainable chemicals and fuels. It also includes bioinformatics, which involves the study of biological processes and information and can be applied to various industries.
Biotech’s roots go back to the 1970s in the beginning, when recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) was developed and later patented. This technique enables scientists to splice genes into production cells that then begin to produce valuable protein molecules.
Today, a majority of pharmaceutical companies are involved in target-discovery research programs that heavily rely on biotechnology. Small companies are also present in the field that employ exclusive techniques to develop new therapeutic drugs.
Companies that specialize in agrobiology, cosmetics, the environment food technology, nutraceuticals and industrial biotechnology, as well veterinary medicine, are also pursuing other biotechnology applications. Fully integrated Pharma companies are massive commercial companies that research and produce, as well as sell generic or brand-name drugs and medicines.
Biotech is changing due to new technologies. Companies are now able to validate their products against conditions that have known mechanisms, like sickle cell anemia. They can also reach greater patient populations. Certain companies are working to come up with new therapies for diseases that haven’t been treated, like Duchenne muscle dystrophy.