Research Overview
Biochip Technology to Revolutionize the Pharmaceutical Industry
Growth in biotechnology blurs the lines of differentiation between different
fields of science. For instance, biotechnology advancements are integrating with
semiconductor technologies such as micro-electromechanical systems resulting in
the evolution of biochips. Biochips provide pharma companies with sophisticated
tools for understanding gene expressions, biological mechanisms, speedy
development of drugs, and accurate diagnosis. DNA and protein biochips
streamline drug development and significantly lower average drug screening costs
from $2 to $0.0001. In addition, with the transition of the medical lab-on-chip
(LOC) from a concept to a reality, the focus has been on developing high density
and smaller-sized biochips wherein less than 300 wafers may accommodate the
entire human genome. As opposed to conventional laboratory analysis, LOCs
eliminate the need for trained personnel and expensive equipment to provide
significant time and cost efficiencies. This Frost & Sullivan research
analyzes the biotechnology industry by providing a comprehensive view of
emerging technologies and applications such as bioanalytics, biopharmaceuticals,
glycobiology, nanobiotechnology, and industrial biotechnology. Analysis of the
technological trends, drivers, challenges and recent developments will assist in
creating effective marketing and production strategies. Participants can
identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and stay
shoulder-to-shoulder with critical developments in their industries.
Developments in Protein-based Drugs Enrich Biopharmaceuticals Pipeline
The rapid evolution of glycomics as a natural extension of proteomics
provides a better understanding of glycoproteins; thereby, helping the
development of novel biodrugs. "Improved understanding of the structural
and functional data in glycomics coupled with phenomenal developments in genetic
engineering techniques drives the usage of recombinant glycoproteins as
therapeutic agents and as an alternative to small molecules," says the
analyst of the study. Demand for therapeutic glycoproteins and monoclonal
antibodies is expected to increase creating an urgent need for higher production
capacity. Additionally, alternate manufacturing mediums such as transgenic
animals, plants, and mammalian and fungal cell lines are also on the rise.
Fungal cell lines, in fact, provide considerable time and cost benefits over
mammalian cell lines. The latter is not only a lengthy process but may also
alter the properties of the final therapeutic glycoprotein. Conversely, fungal
cell lines such as engineered yeast expression systems facilitate production of
humanly glycosylated protein, provide faster fermentation and generate higher
product yield.
Nanobiotechnology and Extremophiles to Create Exciting Opportunities for
Biotechnology
Small size, unique physical structures, and electronic properties have
sparked an explosion of research in nanobiotechnology. "Carbon buckyballs
and nanotubes are small enough to move inside the body serving as effective
carriers of active ingredients," says the analyst. "For instance ABI
007 is a successfully tested nanocarrier that transports established anti-cancer
drugs. Minute nanoparticles such as quantum dots may serve as imaging agents,
revolutionizing conventional diagnostic imaging." The application of
extremophiles in industrial processes is set to usher in a new era in
biotechnology. Ground breaking research into their unique ability to survive
under harsh physical conditions creates numerous opportunities in bioprocessing
and environmental biotechnology. Also, the potential of secondary metabolites
derived from extremophiles in replacing certain industrial bioproducts is
stimulating research in this area. | 
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