Commercial Biotechnology Review

This industry review continues to help in keeping up with the many changes occurring in the commercial application of biotechnology. This report is a vital one for business planning, research planning, and marketing efforts. All aspects of the industry are covered, including bioprocess technology, biopharmaceuticals in all the major categories, antibodies, enzymes, agriculture, food, technology transfer licensing and finance.

INTRODUCTION

No longer does the biotechnology revolution have to explain its value, as it did in the beginning. Today the results are tangible -- with significant product sales, a record number of new products in the pipeline, and a breathtaking array of basic discoveries having commercial potential in medicine, agriculture, chemicals and the environment.

Keeping up with all the changing technical and commercial activities is precisely what this anthology provides. Drawn from the pages of Applied Genetics News (AGN), coupled with summary analyses of the major fields of application taken from BCC's industry studies, this anthology details the sweep of biotechnology activities: in the laboratory, in commercial production and in the marketplace, revealing who's doing what -- and why.

The biotechnology revolution continues to affect nearly every sector of the economy. It also influences bioprocess technology, along with supportive reagents and equipment. Today, the importance of biotechnology to the economy is without doubt. Its practical benefits -- significant already -- continue to unfold.

Keeping up with the changing developments relevant to commercial interests is the purpose of this review, which is based on an anthology of the 1998 Applied Genetics News newsletter, which takes the pulse of research, technology, products, applications, patents, industry news, financial developments and players. It's been said that grasping the meaning of today's events will shape tomorrow, and our in-depth coverage of the news provides reporting as well as analysis.

This volume breaks down the year's events by major subject categories: bioprocess technology, infectious diseases, cancer, immune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, biopharmaceuticals, antibodies, enzymes, diagnostics, agriculture and food, patents, technology transfer and licensing, and industry and financial news.

The review also provides summaries of recent market studies, published by BCC, that analyze sales, prospects, players and applications of biotechnology in various fields.