Biotechnology is multidisciplinary field that can be divided into 4 more
specific areas, using color coding system. Red biotechnology is
dedicated to design as much products and devices related to the medical
field as possible. Green is focused on agricultural improvements and
environmental protection. Blue is using ocean resources to develop
various products (from food to fuels…) and white is focused on
industrial processes. Out of 4 fields mentioned - red biotechnology is
the most profitable: billion dollars are spent each year for research
and development in medical field.
Here’s the list of 10 most innovative biotech companies and short info on their main research areas.
Life technologies
Life technologies is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. It’s founded
in 2008, have ~11 000 employees and is highly profitable. 2011 revenue
was 3.7 billion dollars. They are developing lab equipment for all kind
of genetic testing (Applied Biosystems), products for isolation,
quantification and amplifications of RNA (Ambion), biologic drug
production associated materials (Gibco), DNA and biology associated
products (Invitrogen), molecular probes under the same brand name,
products for purification, separation and analysis of proteins (Novex),
products used for gene expression experiments (TaqMan) and ion
semiconductor DNA sequencing system (Ion Torrent). They have offices in
more than 60 countries worldwide.
Genentech
Genentech is pioneer of biotechnology industry. Founded in 1976 with
headquarter in South San Francisco. It has over 11 000 employees and as
from 2009 it is wholly owned subsidiary of Roche. All scientist,
researchers and post-docs are focused on 5 main research areas:
oncology, neuroscience, tissue growth and repair, immunology and
infectious diseases.
Bug Agentes Biologicos
Company is founded in 1999 and based in Piracicaba, Brazil. It’s focused
on development of natural pesticide replacements. Main products are
predatory insect eggs and parasitoids used for crop protection. Those
are mainly used for soy field’s protection.
Amyris
Amyris is founded in 2003 and it’s focused on providing sustainable
alternatives to petroleum derived products. Plant sugar is starting
point. It undergoes industrial conversion into various hydrocarbons that
will be used for renewable products development later used in cosmetic
and polymer industry, for lubricants, flavors….even for jet fuel.
Headquarter is in Emeryville, California.
GE (GE Healthcare)
GE Healthcare is only division of GE business that is headquartered
outside the USA, in Little Chalfont, United Kingdom. It’s founded in
2004 and it’s focused on medical imaging and diagnostics (equipment they
are manufacturing is ranging from X rays to magnetic resonance), drug
discovery, pharmaceutical manufacturing…
Diagnostics for all
Diagnostics for all is non-profit organization founded in 2007. Idea was
to help solve medical issues in developing and resource poor countries
all over the world by creating a simple and cheap diagnostic device -
patterned paper. Small piece of paper covered with biological and
chemical assays reagent is cheap and fast way to test yourself. By
applying small amount of biological fluids, assay zone is changing the
color that should be compared with reference color on the device. Money
they need for testing, research and manufacture is provided through
public donations.
The Plant
The Plant is building in Chicago most famous for being first vertical
farm. Vertical farming is becoming very popular as the number of people
living in urban area is growing rapidly. The Plant produces aquaponic
vegetables. Fertilizers (necessary for proper plant development) are
derived from algae that are consuming waste. Idea is to create building
that will have net zero energy and waste (level of produced and consumed
energy and waste should be equal).
Cellular Dynamics International
Cellular Dynamics International is founded in 2004 with headquarter in
Madison, Wisconsin. Company is manipulating with stem cells to produce
tissues of various kinds that will be used for drug development process,
for tissue engineering or organ regeneration purposes. Roche is using
iCell for drug screening.
Humacyte
Humacyte is founded in 2004 in Morrisville, North Carolina. Research is
focused on vascular diseases and soft tissue repair application (vein
graft development). Human, extracellular matrix derived tissue would
help decrease inflammation, clotting and thrombosis, foreign body
response after implantation in the body and would demand fewer surgical
interventions that are necessary when conventional methods are used.
Harvard Bioscience
Harvard Bioscience is founded over 100 years ago in Holliston,
Massachusetts. Company is manufacturing different kind of instruments
and equipment that is used in life science and regenerative medicine
fields (such as molecular, cellular, and physiology research). Some of
the most interesting HB products are artificial trachea, synthetic
windpipe and organs made out of body’s own cells. They have 20 wholly
owned subsidiaries.
Now when you know their names and research goals – you just have to choose one that suits you the best.
source: bioinovative
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