Commentary in 2009

Moral concerns as to the relationship of synthetic biology with nature do not provide a convincing basis for more stringent regulatory oversight of the field.

Two prominent ethicists provide their views on the ethical debates surrounding synthetic biology.

The emergence of synthetic biology, and off-shoots such as DIYbio, make the need for a rigorous, sustained and mature approach for assessing, and preparing for, the broad range of associated dangers and risks all the more pressing.

How are the economics of synthetic biology likely to develop in the coming years?

Synthetic biology should look to other industries' models for ownership and open sharing.

Innovative community efforts in academia and non-profits to engage student researchers, encourage open sharing of DNA constructs and new methodology as well as build a Registry of Standardized Biological Parts have been central to the emergence of synthetic biology.

Most drugs withdrawn from the market because of serious toxicities never make it back. But Biogen Idec succeeded in getting its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Tysabri reintroduced in less than 16 months.

After a decade of significant challenges, biotech's long-term sustainability depends on making fundamental changes to its traditional business model.

Translation of human pluripotent stem cells into cell therapies will require the development of standardized tests for product consistency, stability, tumorigenicity, toxicity and immunogenicity.

As new media proliferate and the public's trust and engagement in science are influenced by industry involvement in academic research, an interdisciplinary workshop provides some recommendations to enhance science communication.

Against the Cartagena Protocol and widespread scientific support for a case-by-case approach to regulation, the Convention on Biological Diversity has become a platform for imposing broad restrictions on research and development of all types of transgenic trees.

Gilead Sciences' ascent to the upper echelon of biotech centered around one very savvy acquisition that launched an HIV franchise.

The biotech sector must not only maintain an emphasis on ground-breaking products and focus on retaining key staff but also mobilize to ensure that US health policy continues to reward its innovations.

More needs to be done to tap the potential of drug discovery programs in mid-tier biotech companies for innovative treatments against neglected diseases.

Is there a way to design DNA synthesis technology with safeguards that prevent its cooption for nefarious purposes?

With many small biotech companies teetering at the edge of a financial precipice, the US government should act swiftly to enact tax benefits allowing a refund of net operating losses.

A venture capitalist gives his perspective on the outlook for life sciences ventures amid the perfect storm of the current economic downturn.

The US Food and Drug Administration's 'quality by design' approach is likely to transform the manufacture of biologics.