Current and future prospects for the global biotechnology industry

Abstract

The number of biotechnology compounds has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years, reflecting the key contribution that biotechnology is now making to healthcare. Recombinant DNA technology has been used to develop a number of therapeutic proteins, including antibodies, cytokines, hormones and vaccines for use in tackling and diagnosing a range of disorders. Worldwide there are more than 4,000 specialised biotechnology companies. The most well-known companies are located in the USA and Europe, but there are significant companies emerging in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and throughout Asia – particularly in Japan. Most of these companies are small in size and limited when it comes to finances and this has had an impact on the output of the industry in terms of new drugs.