The 10 Biotech Industry Trends Shaping the Future

The 10 Biotech Industry Trends Shaping the Future

Developments in biotechnology sit at the cutting-edge of science and the start-line of industrial revolutions. A new biotech innovation can transform human society. Around six thousand years ago, Homo sapiens harnessed the biological processes of microorganisms to make bread and alcohol. Today, biotechnology connotes a far more advanced manipulation of biological processes; indeed, we are now modifying DNA in highly specific ways to genetically engineer therapeutics that improve lives around the world. From providing solutions to food security challenges through to developing new and improved therapeutic drugs, biotechnology has revolutionized human society. Here, we pick out the 10 key biotech trends that look set to further propel the life science industry, and society, forward.

1. Gene editing revolution

Gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 continue to revolutionize biotech, offering precise and efficient methods for editing genetic material, with applications ranging from disease treatment to agricultural enhancement. 

One notable example is the treatment of sickle cell disease using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. In 2019, researchers at Stanford University used CRISPR to correct the genetic mutation responsible for sickle cell disease in human stem cells, paving the way for potential gene therapies to treat this inherited blood disorder.

2. Personalized medicine

Advancements in genomics and bioinformatics enable the development of personalized medicine tailored to individual genetic profiles, enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.

The drug Herceptin (trastuzumab) is often regarded as the ‘poster child’ for personalized medicine in oncology. Herceptin specifically targets cancer cells that overexpress the HER2 protein, which is present in about 20% of breast cancer patients. By identifying patients with HER2-positive breast cancer through genetic testing, physicians can prescribe Herceptin only to those women with these types of tumors, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

3. Immunotherapy breakthroughs

Immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, is making strides in cancer treatment by harnessing the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, offering promising outcomes for patients.

CAR-T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in treating certain types of blood cancers. Novartis's Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Gilead's Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) are two FDA-approved CAR-T cell therapies that reprogram a patient's own immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells, offering new hope to patients with refractory or relapsed leukemia and lymphoma.

4. RNA-based therapeutics

RNA-based therapies, including mRNA vaccines and RNA interference (RNAi) therapies, are gaining traction for their potential to target a wide range of diseases, from infectious diseases to genetic disorders.

The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna represent a groundbreaking application of RNA-based technology. These vaccines use synthetic mRNA to instruct cells to produce a viral protein, triggering an immune response that protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The rapid development and successful deployment of these vaccines exemplify the potential of RNA-based therapeutics.

5. Bioprinting innovations

3D bioprinting technologies are advancing rapidly, allowing the fabrication of tissues and organs for transplantation, drug testing, and regenerative medicine applications. A new era of tissue engineering is emerging as a result of this technology. In 2019, researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully 3D bioprinted a heart using human cells and a biocompatible scaffold. This achievement marked a significant milestone in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, demonstrating the feasibility of creating complex organs for transplantation using bioprinting technology.

In the bioprocessing industry, a recent study demonstrated how 3D printing of a bioreactor holds immense promise for advancing the efficiency of upstream bioprocessing.

6. Microbiome research

Understanding the human microbiome's role in health and disease is a burgeoning field, with implications for developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and dietary interventions to modulate microbial communities.

The development of microbiome-based therapeutics for gastrointestinal conditions is exemplified by the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT involves transferring fecal matter from a healthy donor to a patient with C. difficile infection to restore a healthy gut microbiota composition, leading to resolution of symptoms in many cases.

7. Synthetic biology expansion

Synthetic biology approaches enable the design and engineering of biological systems for various applications, such as biofuel production, drug synthesis, and environmental remediation, driving innovation across industries.

Recently, synthetic biology has emerged as a potential way of better controlling activation intensity of CAR-T cells, which is pivotal for CAR-T cell therapy effectiveness. We explore the mechanisms behind this exciting development here.

8. Digital health integration

The convergence of biotech and digital technologies facilitates remote monitoring, personalized healthcare solutions, and data-driven insights, empowering patients and healthcare providers with actionable information.

The wearable glucose monitor developed by Abbott, FreeStyle Libre, exemplifies the integration of biotech and digital health technologies. This continuous glucose monitoring system allows individuals with diabetes to track their glucose levels in real time using a wearable sensor and a mobile app, enabling better glucose management and reducing the need for traditional fingerstick tests.

The highly advertised ZOE app, another glucose monitoring product, shows how digital health integration can be used to develop personalised diet strategies. This app is also the ‘largest in-depth nutrition study in the world’. Read about the recent hype - and contention - around this product in What’s Up With Glucose?

9. Sustainable biomanufacturing

Biotech companies are increasingly adopting sustainable biomanufacturing practices, including renewable feedstock utilization, process optimization, and waste reduction, to minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability.

Biotech company Amyris utilizes renewable feedstocks, such as sugarcane, to produce sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products, including biofuels, cosmetics, and fragrances. By leveraging fermentation technology and green chemistry principles, Amyris reduces reliance on fossil fuels and minimizes environmental impact in the production process.

10. AI-driven drug discovery

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are revolutionizing drug discovery and development processes by accelerating molecule screening, predicting drug efficacy, and optimizing clinical trial design, leading to faster and more cost-effective drug discovery pipelines.

Atomwise, a leading AI-driven drug discovery company, uses deep learning algorithms to screen millions of small molecules for their potential to bind to specific protein targets implicated in diseases. This approach accelerates the identification of promising drug candidates and facilitates rational drug design, potentially expediting the development of new therapies for various medical conditions.