By Bazil Masabo
Introduction to Biotech
According to the American Chemical Society, biotechnology (biotech) is the application of biological organisms, systems, or processes by various industries to learning about the science of life and the improvement of the value of materials and organisms, such as pharmaceuticals, crops, and livestock [1]. The European Federation of Biotechnology defines it as the integration of natural science and organisms, cells, parts thereof, and molecular analogues for products and services [2].
A key principle in biotech is the use technology to exploit the biology of organisms to create new or improved products. From the earliest civilizations, humans have used fermentation, a process that relies on yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacteria to break down sugars in dough creating pockets of carbon dioxide that cause bread to rise. The same process, the application of bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus) to ferment lactose into lactic acid, thickens milk and gives it a tangy flavor, yoghourt.
Note the difference with TechBio: intersection of technology and biology, where data-driven techniques, such as artificial intelligence (em)power life sciences to reach new heights, faster. We will touch upon this later in this series.
A Brief History
These early and simple bioprocessing examples laid the foundation of modern biotech used to produce medicine, biofuels and lab-grown food. From the early days of fermentation and selective breeding, biotechnology has evolved alongside technological advancements, leading to groundbreaking, life-saving innovations.
The discovery of DNA was an important breakthrough that opened work in molecular genetics and genetic engineering. The creation of the first genetically modified organisms (GMOs) using Recombinant DNA technology marked a significant turning point for biotech and a precursor to the production of synthetic human insulin using genetically modified bacteria.
The late 20th century brought about the biotech boom starting out with the development of the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR technology gave impetus to genetic research leading to the human genome project (HGP) that laid the groundwork for gene therapy and precision medicine. The vast amounts of genetic data from the HGP stimulated bioinformatics and tech-driven drug research.
The Drug Discovery Process
The traditional drug discovery process typically involves identifying a disease target, screening large chemical libraries to find potential drug candidates, optimizing those hits through chemical modifications, and then progressing through preclinical and clinical trials to test safety and efficacy.
This Traditional science-first approach relies on wet-lab experiments, animal models and clinical trials. It has often been plagued by lengthy timelines, typically 10-15 years on average from initial discovery through regulatory approval. With high failure rates being a norm, only about 10 – 20% of drugs that enter clinical trials live to see the light of day [3]. A Deloitte pharma study confirms the exceptionally high costs of drug development, indicating that the average R&D cost to develop a drug – from discovery of active substance to market launch – stands at USD 2.3 billion [4].
Enter Biotech
Thankfully, recent developments in technology, such as the development of CRISPR (DNA based gene editing tool), adoption and integration of AI and ML, that birthed synthetic biology also brought to life a newer model of drug development.
Techbio, the computational flipside of biotech that is enabling accelerated discoveries, better drug designs and reduced costs. This tech-driven, data-driven approach has revolutionized biotech, case in point, the development of mRNA vaccines in record time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Areas of Biotech
From humble beginnings, biotech has penetrated to all areas of human existence. It’s impact and potential have been explored in areas such as human and animal health, environmental conservation, crop yield improvement among others.
Human Biotech
Genetic engineering and regenerative medicine technologies are transforming human health by making targeted and personalized treatments possible even for genetic disorders. These new treatment possibilities are increasing access to healthcare, improving outcomes and reducing side effects of medicines.
Environmental Biotech
Environmental biotechnology applies biological processes to solve environmental challenges such as pollution, waste management, and climate change. Bioremediation uses microorganisms to break down harmful pollutants in soil, water, and air, helping clean up oil spills and industrial waste.
Industrial Biotech
Biotech is helping produce biofuels by using enzymes and microbes in the process of fermentation. These eco-friendly fuels are helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels and giving the environment a break. Other developments in industrial biotech include the creation of plant-based alternatives to plastics and synthetic materials that are safer sustainable options in industries like fashion and construction.
Animal Biotech
Early selective breeding would take a long time to show changes in species making the process laboriously slow. Modern methods of enhancing livestock health, breeding and productivity have improved outcomes, timelines and at massive scales. Cloning technology, such as the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1996, has paved the way for advancements in breeding superior livestock, disease-resistant species that reduce the need for antibiotics and improve food security.
Plant Biotech
Plant biotechnology is revolutionizing agriculture by developing crops that are more resilient, nutritious, and sustainable. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) modify food production by improving resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses like drought. The use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and biofertilizers, is reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, making farming more environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Having proven its impact and potential for improving human, animal and environmental health, biotech is poised to be the backbone of human existence. As the world faces growing challenges in health, food supply, and climate change, biotech will remain at the forefront of innovation, shaping a more sustainable and healthier future. It is time we explored the possibilities that biotech is offering and build the future we want.
Look out for our Biotech series in the next couple of weeks as we dive in deeper to how biotech is driving better healthcare outcomes and as we map out!
References
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- “Biotechnology”. portal.acs.org. American Chemical Society. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
- “BIOTECHNOLOGY-PRINCIPLES & PROCESSES” (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
- Yamaguchi et al. Approval success rates of drug candidates based on target, action, modality, application, and their combinations. May 2021.
- https://www.deloitte.com/ch/en/about/press-room/deloitte-pharma-study-r-and-d-returns-are-improving.html
