Only 21 biotech drugs have been released so far, and many of those are bioengineered versions of substances that have been known and used for a long time, such as insulin and human growth hormone. During this time the industry has experienced spectacular rises and falls, both scientifically and financially, often fueled by hype and unrealistic expectations.
Currently in the pipeline, however, is the next generation of biotech drugs. And these drugs will take advantage of the latest discoveries of how cells work, targeting previously uncharacterized receptors on the surface of cells or moving directly into the nucleus to turn specific genes off or on.
But much of this next generation is either still in the laboratory or just beginning clinical trials. And considerable debate emerges among biotech observers in government and industry concerning which areas of research will, from an entrepreneurial standpoint, be most profitably pursued.
Research activities in ...
