Features in 2008

Despite losses in revenue from erythropoietins, historically the highest earner of all biologics, more than 100 biotech drugs continued their upward trend in sales begun in 2006, with antibodies and insulin analogs fueling growth at double-digit rates.

Off-label prescribing is a fundamental fact of life of healthcare systems, but the promotion of off-label uses by drug sponsors is a fundamental sin. Regulators, legislators and drug makers are wrestling to find the right balance.

Record profits and financing in the public biotech sector may be unsustainable in the coming years as economies falter.

Brazil boasts world-class biomedical science, but tension between the public and private sectors hinders progress in health biotech innovation.

It's no gold rush, but dozens of players are emerging in personalized medicine, with biotechs, big and small, leading the way. Some big pharma companies and even payers remain skeptical, but economics aside, the real winners will be patients.

European governments recognize that the biotech industry is important to their economic development, but can the sector overcome the obstacles hindering its growth?

The emergent healthcare value era, its consequences, and what drug firms need to do about it

Chinese government support and 'sea turtles' are spurring the sector, but investors lack exits.