TOP CONTRIBUTORS

Helen Han

Biotechnology is the use of molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques to develop treatments for human diseases. Many leading companies from the industry originated in the late 70's from university research laboratories. In the 1980s after attracting venture investors and after listed in the US stock exchange,have then developed into a growing industry that uses research innovations to develop new agricultural products, biomedical tools, and human therapies such as monoclonal antibody for cancer. In 2006, 92% of employees in the biotechnology industry worked in companies that specialized in developing new drugs or medical devices and equipment, while 8% were employed in companies that specialized in agricultural products. ^[1] The large cap company in the group is Amgen, Genentech, Biogen-Idec, Genzyme. iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB) offers a low risk/reward investment vehicle for long term investors.

Industry Information

Major Biotechnology Companies

ISTA Pharmaceuticals (ISTA)

Biotechnology Industry Trends & Forces

High Pipeline Risk for New Drugs

Dependence on Health Insurance/Medicare Coverage

Dependence on Governmental Regulations

High Volatility and Instability at Start-up

Litigation Risk

Market Share

References

1. ↑ State Bioscience Initiatives 2008 Report, published by the Biotechnology Industry Organization