Life Sciences 2020: The Future is Here

Gene Editing The gene editing technologies that are currently garnering the most buzz

Artificial Intelligence Recent Developments: • Several tech giants are building AI solutions to tailor treatments for individual cancer patients. Google’s DeepMind Health is working on machine learning algorithms to detect the differences between healthy and cancerous tissues. Microsoft aims to use Hanover—a research machine-learning project— to develop predictive analytics about which cancer drugs and combinations are most effective. • Berg, an AI focused biotechnology company, is developing diagnostics

include: CRISPR:

“Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats”—CRISPR—was introduced in 2012 and the FDA gave its approval for human trials of this gene editing technology to begin in 2018. Current clinical trials are focused on cancer, blood disorders and eye disease. Since these trials are in the early stages of exploring safety and efficacy, it will be a while until the FDA approves widespread use. Nevertheless, CRISPR’s potential to eradicate diseases has massive implications and the technology is expected to continue to attract A gene-based therapy used primarily to change immune cells to identify and fight cancerous cells. Additional applications include treating autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders. The FDA has approved two CAR-T cell therapies for use in treatment of cancer patients; however, since application is in its early stages, effectiveness is still being scrutinized and additional innovations are expected. Further developments will undoubtedly impact the global $121 billion cancer treatment sector. Key players: (CRSP), Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA), Editas medicine, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Merck KGaA, GenScript, Horizon Discovery Group Plc, Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc, Lonza, New England Biolabs and Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. funding and attention. CAR-T Cell Therapy:

and therapeutics in oncology, neurology and rare diseases.

Side-Bar on Synthetic Food Alternatives:

The meatless craze is at an early stage as new brands of meatless products hit the shelves. This could be a boon to R&D and lab space due to the nature of the product: meatless patties are grown in a lab using extracted vegetable proteins.

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