The research dollars and venture capital flowing into Biotech has been astounding in 2005. Many regional economic development associations continue to look to Biotech as clean industry with high-paying jobs to spur on regional economic growth. Advances in cures for cancer, nanotech, artificial blood, vaccines and human computer interfaces all made headlines, as well as some ethical issues concerning stem cells, cloning and growing of body parts, tissue and skin. Transplants were also at the top of the scene by yearend as attempts were considered for brain transplants and an actual first face transplant was completed. In fact there was so many no innovations and changes that were brought forth in 2005 that many alarmists were in fear of destroying the sanctity of life and crossing the line of what it is to be human. Their battle cry echoed thru the halls of Congress; "Life is not forsale!" ? Now or ever they said. Indeed few could disagree, yet others showed how fuzzy and gray that the line really was with regards to Stem Cells and Adult Stem Cell Lines. Citing issues with degenerative diseases and lost limbs, many from combat and service to our nation. What will BioTech bring us in 2006; will there be more conflict and disagreements on the issue of ethics? Will there be more white papers and research called into question? Will there be fraud and manipulations in trials to speed the process of bringing new drugs, procedures and therapies to market? Will life never be for sale or will death go on sale? Will we figure out a way to modify our surroundings and defeat diseases? If so which ones will fall to defeat in 2006; which pathogens, viruses and flu will we finally conquer? Will life-extension be one step closer? Will we finally allot the necessary funding to cure cancer? What will 2006 show us in the Biotech Industry? Will this be the year we figure it all out or will this be another stepping stone closer to seeing the light at the end of this long tunnel? Think on it. |
