The benefits of genetic modification far
outweigh the
hypothetical and sometimes contrived risks claimed by its
detractors.
Dr. Patrick Moore, Co-founder of Greenpeace
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.