For many people, biotechnology means genetically modified organisms, alien species, toxic weapons, or hormone-treated beef. Yet it is also a tool to control plant and animal pests, preserve species, utilize genetic resources for health and nutrition, and protect the environment. Society's ability to manage, share and regulate advanced biotechnology offers many opportunities and raises many challenges and risks.
This book explores the issues of advanced biotechnology and examines the progress made in recent years. It looks at the drivers of medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology development in the United States, the European Union and Japan. It describes the biotechnology tools to fight major global health concerns such as Ebola fever, the human immunodeficiency virus, the SARS virus, and the Avian flu virus, as well as regulatory concerns and public perceptions.
Professor Sasson also provides a state of the art analysis of the progress of selected developing countries in fostering their own bio-industries. He examines some of the most controversial areas of medical biotechnology, including issues such as stem cell research and gene therapy and some of the ethical issues they raise.
"The findings of this book are a valuable contribution to the state of our knowledge about modern biotechnology, to UNU-IAS efforts to raise awareness among policy makers and stakeholders, and to educating the public at large about the greater implications and prospects concerning the advances of this rapidly growing new technology." From the Foreword by A. H. Zakri, Director of the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies
Albert Sasson is a Senior Visiting Professor at the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies. He has had a distinguished career as a scientist and scientific advisor and he was Assistant Director-General of UNESCO from 1993 to 1996. His work and research have culminated in over 200 publications. Professor Sasson is an Associate Member of the Club of Rome and holds a number of honorary appointments and degrees, including an appointment by the King of Morocco as a Member of the Human Rights Consultative Council.
Table of Contents:
Foreword
Introduction: Biotechnology, bio-industry and bio-economy
Medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology: Current achievements and innovation prospects
Regulatory issues
The economics of pharmaceutical biotechnology and bioindustry
Promising areas and ventures
Medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology in some developing countries
Social acceptance of medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology
The globalization of regulatory standards and ethical norms: Solidarity with developing nations
ISBN 92-808-1114-2; 152 pages; paper; US$28.00