In 2019, to most individuals, a pandemic was merely a science fiction story, film thriller or one thing they realized about in historical past class. Now, anybody can knowledgeably talk about PPEs, antigens and the way to “flatten the curve.” For these of us in biotech, the pandemic additionally taught us classes and concurrently confirmed us how way more we nonetheless want to find regarding the biology of ailments and the methods viruses work within the physique.
As we proceed the struggle in opposition to Covid-19, it’s clear the biotech business realized an ideal deal concerning the science. By acknowledging what we did proper, leaning into our humanity, and using the instruments we now have at our disposal to foretell the subsequent international well being disaster, we will do greater than survive—we will adapt and thrive. However we now have to be prepared.
So how can the biotech business put together for the subsequent pandemic?
In the beginning, we have to make the most of the teachings realized from Covid-19 and notice that the subsequent international well being risk humanity will face in subsequent 10 years will likely be a battle with microbes. We additionally want to look at and comprehend how our our bodies and our brains act as a measure of recognizing these new insults.
With this data we will start to make predictions, take precautions and save lives. Past understanding our biology, we have to use all of the weapons in our arsenal, and one in every of our greatest defenses, persistently confirmed within the pandemic, is synthetic intelligence (AI).
Using AI-powered biotechnology to mannequin what these new assaults are going to appear to be provides us an higher hand in preparedness. After we know what’s coming, we will work on growing a counterattack, or at the least determine the way to get out of the way in which.
There may also be fewer biotech firms doing extra of the centered work. With inflation on the rise and governments having much less cash per capita to supply for every citizen, there could also be much less authorities funding obtainable for analysis. Elevated mergers and acquisitions out there additionally means extra consolidation.
At present, there are about 500 public biotech firms, and that may compress right down to the highest 300 which have confirmed they will present reimbursable merchandise and measurable outcomes. The most important pharmaceutical firms that now stand at 50 could winnow right down to 35. The survivors will likely be fewer in quantity, however stronger and extra centered.
As AI turns into extra centered and environment friendly, and the pharma and biotech industries consolidate to outlive, it’s essential to additionally think about and replicate on the successes of the pandemic.
Total, we’re heading for a change within the biotech business. We’ve the instruments and expertise, the power to collaborate and proof that we will clear up international issues with our mixed intelligence. But as we be part of forces to struggle ailments and microbes, it’s crucial that we not overlook our humanity.
Ksenia Zvezdina, Getty Pictures
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