The
Future Of Biotech

In this episode of The Future Of, Gabby Everett, Director of Business Operations and Strategy at BioLabs Pegasus Park, and Claire Aldridge, Chief Strategy Officer at Form Bio, join host Jeff Dance to discuss the future of biotech. They unveil the advancements, challenges, and ethical considerations in the biotech industry. Discover the potential of the genomics and omics revolution, the impact of COVID-19 on biotech, and the transformative potential of biotechnology in shaping the future of healthcare.

From Genomics to Personalized Medicine: The Evolution of Biotech

The biotech industry, currently valued between $300-$400 billion annually, has experienced transformative advancements in the past three decades. Key sub-sectors within biotech are rapidly expanding, and the lessons from COVID have driven business investment focus toward innovations beneficial for larger populations.

Claire and Gabby admit we have long been on the brink of what can be described as the “genomics revolution.” This involves decoding the stories told by our DNA, RNA, and proteins and understanding their intertwined roles in health and disease. Today, we have plenty of tools ranging from CAR T-cell therapy and gene therapy to monoclonal antibodies. However, the aspiration is to develop therapies that modify the course of a disease rather than relieving its symptoms.

Another clear shift is the integration of computational tools in biotech. With the overwhelming volume of “omics” data, there’s a critical need for sophisticated software solutions that can extract meaningful insights. Harnessing these data for health advancements feels more purposeful than tailoring online ads based on social media activity.

Moreover, combined with AI and machine learning, we are witnessing the dawn of the personal medicine revolution. It’s no longer about generalizations. Now, physicians can analyze an individual’s tumor, compare it to other cases, consult related literature, and evaluate potential clinical trial outcomes to predict the most effective treatment strategies.

Accelerated Biotech Progress and the Need for Effective Scientific Communication

When it comes to biotech advancements, it’s essential to acknowledge the foundational work preceding the pandemic. While the coronavirus sequence was only published in January, by December, we already had approved vaccines using the revolutionary mRNA-based method.

Moreover, the widespread nature of COVID-19 presented a unique, though tragic, opportunity for precision medicine. With a genetically diverse population contracting the same virus simultaneously, scientists gained unprecedented insights into the genetics of disease progression, long COVID-19, and asymptomatic cases.

Generally speaking, the pandemic era spotlighted the significance of biotech. Beyond technological advancements, there was a substantial influx of investments in the sector.

However, one of the glaring challenges exposed during this period was the gap in scientific communication. Often, scientists might adopt a somewhat elitist behavior, assuming that people wouldn’t grasp complex concepts. So, the pandemic illustrated the pitfalls in our communication strategies, shown by the spread of misinformation and diminishing trust in reputed organizations. This should serve as a lesson and the need to improve and ensure science is communicated effectively to the public.

Unlocking the Future of Biotech

The future of biotech is anchored firmly in personalized precision medicine. This involves developing treatments based on an individual’s specific genetic biomarker profile. Leveraging AI and machine learning, scientists can now delve into vast datasets containing literature, other patient profiles, clinical outcomes, and trial data. This helps in determining which treatments are most effective.

Moreover, we are transitioning from simply treating symptoms to addressing the root causes of diseases, often finding definitive cures. With the capabilities of AI and ML, the goal is to discern molecular signatures indicative of upcoming diseases even before they manifest physically. This paves the way for timely interventions, potentially preventing cellular damage before it begins.