DNA Sequencing has Applications in Numerous Fields
Sunday, October 17th, 2010
DNA sequencing identifies the order of nucleotides (building blocks of DNA) in a segment of DNA. Knowledge of this order can help identify the genetic makeup of an organism. Researchers have been able to associate vulnerability to certain diseases with specific genetic makeup. The DNA sequence of individuals can help determine their vulnerabilities, as well as the type of treatment that will work for them. Such personalized treatment is the future of medicine.
Genetic therapy that replaces defective genes with healthy ones is another medical application.
DNA sequences are unique for individuals and this characteristic has been used in forensics to identify the presence of individuals at crime scenes. Hair, nail, skin or blood samples can be analyzed and the DNA sequence can be compared with that of suspect’s. DNA sequencing is also used to determine paternity.
And genetically modified crops with higher yields, better resistance to pest attacks and even greater nutritional value have become possible with the help of DNA sequencing and manipulation.
Scientific projects such as the human genome project involved extensive DNA sequencing. It is this project that helped researchers identify the relationship between disease and genetic makeup.
DNA sequencing has several applications and the industry is growing fast. A report goes into specific detail starting with a look at DNA, the methods used for DNA sequencing and an analysis of the market for DNA sequencing industry by methods, applications and regions.
Tags: biotechnology, dna, dna sequencing, personalized medicine
Posted in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, crop science, diseases, genetic modification | 1 Comment »
Patenting Genes and Other Biotech Development Issues
Monday, June 28th, 2010
Genes are “products of nature” which are not legally allowed to be patented. Additionally, giving monopoly to a company on a human gene is immoral. Thus go the arguments of those like American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and others who have filed suits against gene patenting.
A U.S. District Court ruled in favor of ACLU, and the company concerned, Myriad Pharmaceuticals, have gone in appeal.
The basic argument of gene patenting advocates is that developing biotech drugs is a highly expensive process, and that companies will have an incentive to do this and develop lifesaving diagnostics and therapies only if their discoveries are protected as intellectual property. The Patent Office has been granting patents on genes on the ground that once these are isolated from their natural environment in the body, they cease to be products of nature.
Other cases in courts include patentability of business methods, such as methods of analysis, data interpretation, and performing certain tasks including the administering of diagnostic tests and therapeutics.
Personalized medicine is a new development related to genes. A person’s genetic makeup can determine which treatments will be most effective for that person, as identified through genetic diagnostic tests. Companies have been developing such tests in the laboratory and these laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) are now being increasingly overseen by the Food and Drug Administration to assess the risks involved.
Read the article at TechJournal South.
Tags: biotechnology, gene patenting, genetic diagnostic test, personalized medicine
Posted in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, business, genetic modification, intellectual property | No Comments »
Personalized Medicine Enhances the Effectiveness of Medical Treatment
Monday, June 21st, 2010
The same medicine can work differently in different individuals depending on their genes. What this means is that you cannot always expect to get the same result that others have obtained from a medicine. Naturally, this reduces the effectiveness of medical treatment in general.
With the information gained from the Human Genome project, it has theoretically become possible to tailor medication to the individual’s genetic characteristics. This is known as personalized medicine and it has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of medical treatment.
However, putting the theory into practice faces many problems. New technologies are taking intensive efforts to achieve a breakthrough to make the potential a reality.
Gene diagnosis and personalized medicine will be the main focus area for the 9th INT’L BIO FORUM & BIO EXPO JAPAN to be held from June 30 – July 2, 2010. It is Asia’s largest bio-event and is being organized by Reed Exhibitions Japan.
According to their news release, the event will have 250 sessions covering “the hottest topics in biotechnology business development, research, marketing trends, best practice and more, with globally-recognized speakers…650 exhibitors from worldwide participate at the show venue for net-working and business meetings.”
The Expo will be “the best place for enhancing knowledge on life science.”
Read the news release at The Clinical Device Newsletter.
Tags: gene diagnosis, human genome, personalized medicine
Posted in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology | No Comments »
