This Survey covers the discovery and manufacture of new biologic products for use in human healthcare and other areas. Building on ground-breaking research in genetics and molecular biology of the past 50 years, the biotech industry applies cutting-edge science - molecular genetics, recombinant DNA techniques (genetic engineering), monoclonal antibodies, and the like - to practical problems. Applications include medical diagnostics, pharmacology (drugs and vaccines), forensics, agriculture, food processing, and environmental control. "Biotechnology" is a GICS sub-industry in the "Health Care" sector of the S&P 1500. Industry Surveys covers more than 50 of the largest and most significant US industries. The information provided for each follows the same general format: the industry's recent performance, an analysis of trends that will influence it in the future, and a broad and fundamental overview of its structure. Both text and data are provided, as are references to additional sources of industry information, including Web sites. |
