Mark D. Dibner

Turning biodefense dollars into products.

Five years after the US anthrax attacks, and more than two years after BioShield legislation was ratified, a survey reveals that biodefense funding has thus far produced only a handful of products for clinical development.

The greening of biotechnology: the growth of the US biotechnology industry

Abstract The growth and advancement of biotechnology worldwide has been the focus of many studies, and at the heart of this advancement has been a new industry of small biotechnology firms in the United States. Since the early 1970s more than 300 small companies have been founded in the United States to work with the new technologies of genetic engineering, monoclonal antibody production, and in related areas. In addition, many major corporations in the United States have sought entry into biotechnology. Hundreds of new companies have been founded to interact with the biotechnology firms and large corporations, supplying reagents, equipment, fermentation expertise and serving a variety of other ancillary functions. Nowhere else in the world has a biotechnology industry been initiated to such a large degree. Today, the average US biotechnology firm is six to seven years old. The current state of the US biotechnology industry, historical perspectives, major trends and some future outlooks will be described below.

The rise of European venture capital for biotechnology

Changes in economic institutions and the entrepreneurial climate, together with a growth in venture capital funds, have greatly increased European biotechnology venture formation in recent years.

Career alternatives for scientists

More than ever, young PhDs are looking to the biotechnology industry as their first option.

Commercial biotechnology in Hungary: beyond small potatoes

Abstract Despite a number of unfavourable conditions, Hungary is striving to develop its biotechnology industry. This article examines the cultural, infrastructural, scientific and economic factors that may influence this development. Recent changes in Hungarys political leadership may accelerate the development of the countrys biotechnology industry.