Biotech businesses are undergoing a global evolution from research institutions to organisations improving the quality of life of organisms.  

Some of the most recent notable innovations in biotech have involved advances in drug research, synthetic biology, a personalised approach to medicine, and improved testing and data capture. For human health, this has led to an even greater understanding of diseases, equipping teams with the research and data to fight global pandemics, as we’ve recently seen most recently with Covid-19.  

We’ve set out the top three trends in biotechnology which the world should expect to see shaping up this year.  

1. Faster pharmaceutical testing and approval of medicines 

Following the emergency development and approval of Covid-19 vaccinations, huge efforts have been made to speed up the process of testing and approving new drugs. Much of this has been reliant on research and data originating in the field of biotechnology. Traditionally, new drugs have taken up to ten years to make it through the lengthy process of approval and certification.  

But now, innovations in biotech data are being used to speed up this process by allowing simulations of interactions between medicines and the human body, rather than having to rely on costly and time-consuming human trials for every stage of the process. In 2023 and beyond, we can expect to see more research in this field, hopefully leading to quicker development of more effective drugs and treatments. 

2. Gene editing and CRISPR diagnostics 

CRISPR technology is one example of how the biotech industry is achieving faster testing and approval of medicines. This involves the use of gene editing technology which adds, replaces, or neutralises specific genes to accelerate gaining diagnostic results. Thanks to CRISPR technology, tests – like many of the Covid-19 tests – can be performed in a patient’s home, which not only helps to increase the affordability, but also the speed and accessibility of testing for illnesses. This is crucial for the industry at large to continue making bold advancements, like those we have seen recently.   

3. More for mRNA 

The recent pandemic brought mRNA technology into the spotlight, and since it could be adapted so rapidly to effectively fight Covid-19, it is now taking a centre stage in the biotech limelight and undergoing tests for its use in a wide range of other applications. These other applications include a variety of respiratory diseases, certain cancers and even HIV. In short, Covid-19 was just the beginning for mRNA technology, and over the next year and beyond, many astute investors will be following this space, looking for long term investment opportunities.  

For more information on how to source candidates with the right repertoire of skills and experience in this rapidly evolving industry, our team of biotech recruitment specialists at Remarkable Jobs can help. Get in touch today at [email protected].