Biotechnology involves the use of technology and science to provide solutions to societal problems like climate change mitigation, access to and sustainable use of natural resources, and food security. Biotechnology companies are classified in different categories depending on the solutions that they offer.
The majority of biotech companies are pharmaceutical companies that produce medicines for both humans and animals. Drug development is a lengthy and risky process that takes years. 90% of potential medicines never make it to the pharmacy shelves.
Biotech isn’t restricted to pharmaceuticals. It is used in a variety of industries. These include cosmetics, agriculture and food technology. Industrial biotechnology, nutraceuticals and veterinary products are included.
Other areas of research include mRNA-based vaccines, which were utilized in the COVID-19 Pandemic, and monoclonal antibodies, that are currently being evaluated for HIV treatment. The industry is marked by high operating costs and significant funds for R&D.
In the end, the majority of biotech companies do not make a profit at an early stage. The ones that are profitable have strong pipelines, and they can also generate non-organic revenues. Biotech investing can be lucrative but it is crucial to take into consideration the risks associated with it. It is not unusual for biotech stocks to rise when there is news of a promising new therapy’s results. These spikes can be hard for investors who are small.