Because the biotechnology industry is influenced by, and faces unique pressures from, scientific, legal, regulatory, political, and commercial factors, the onerous challenge of merging the respective contributions of each of these disparate domains was critical in writing this book.

Building Biotechnology is presented in five sections: a general introduction; the science of biotechnology; legal, regulatory, and political issues; the business of biotechnology; and building biotechnology.

The scientific, legal, regulatory, and political issues are presented prior to the business fundamentals because in order to understand the business of biotechnology, it is necessary to first understand how these factors shape the industry and make the business of biotechnology different from others. The final section ties together the material from the previous four sections and provides additional guidance on how to engage in biotechnology business development, develop an investment strategy, and develop your career. A comprehensive set of appendices follow, containing Internet links, an annotated bibliography, and a detailed glossary.

Individual biotechnology companies and products are referenced in numerous examples and anecdotes to reinforce the concepts presented. Extensive cross-references are also included throughout the text for those readers taking a "cafeteria-approach" and reading the chapters out of sequence.

I hope that by breaking down the biotechnology industry to its key drivers and by providing numerous case studies, you will develop an appreciation of the independent and combined scientific, legal, regulatory, political, commercial influences that define the scope of commercial biotechnology. I welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions at www.BuildingBiotechnology.com or via email at info@BuildingBiotechnology.com.

Yali Friedman, Ph.D.