Biotechnology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The Pharmaceutical industry is in a constant state of change and adaptation. It aims to provide the best medicines and treatments possible to the public, keep up with the change in healthcare and utilize new technologies. One trend we are seeing within the industry is the increase in research, development and the use of biotechnology.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the merging of biology and technology. It encompasses a wide range of procedures that modify living organisms for human purposes including agriculture, medicine and food production. In the pharmaceutical industry biotechnology is used to create new treatments for diseases with the use of living systems and organisms.
The Difference Between Pharmaceutical and Biotech Drugs
Biotech drugs differ from a typical pharmaceutical drug because they use the manipulation of microorganisms, bacteria or enzymes in the manufacturing process. In contrast, a pharmaceutical drug is manufactured with plant and chemical based compounds. To create a treatment, biotech drugs use many biotechnology techniques including: genetic manipulation, DNA typing, cloning and gene transfer from plants, animals and microorganisms while a pharmaceutical drug uses artificial sources.
Biotechnology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The use of biotechnology for Pharmaceutical drug development is rapidly increasing. Today, approximately 15% of total drug revenue is derived from biopharmaceuticals. In the future it is expected to continue to make up a higher market share, with 25% of substances in preclinical testing using biotechnology. Biotechnology helps the industry develop new products, new processes and methods, as well as improve and build upon existing treatment options.
Where is Biotechnology Used in Pharmaceuticals
Biotechnology is most often used in Oncology, Metabolic disorders, Gene Therapy and Testing, and Infectious Disease. The top biotechnology drugs currently on the market treat a range of illness such as: Arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Psoriasis, Colitis, Lymphoma, Leukemia, Diabetes, Lung Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer.
Biotechnology R&D on the Rise
Recent surveys found that overall Research and Development was at an all-time high in 2017, hitting $71.4 Billion and 1/6 of that total was from Biotechnology R&D. That makes the Biotech sector the single highest R&D business expense for the year, showing the biotechnology trend will continue to increase and play a major role in shifting the industry.
Jobs in Biotechnology
For those looking for a career in biotechnology there are several routes you can take. Many big pharmaceutical companies now have their own biotechnology department where they are hiring Scientists and R&D engineers, as well as other roles to develop new biotech drugs for their pipeline. There are also still many stand-alone biotechnology companies who are hiring a full range of employees to join their team, many of which may be startups and have a heavy focus on research.
If you are interested in a position in biotechnology please submit your resume and one of our experienced recruiters will contact you so we can help you find the best fit. See the list of our current openings here.
If you are a biotechnology firm needing consulting or staffing assistance please contact info@pharmaout.com– We look forward to working with you!