Synthetic biology in the view of European public funding organisations.

We analysed the decisions of major European public funding organisations to fund or not to fund synthetic biology (SB) and related ethical, legal and social implication (ELSI) studies. We investigated the reaction of public organisations in six countries (Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the U.K.

[The role of biotechnology in pharmaceutical drug design].

Biotechnological methods have become an important tool in pharmaceutical drug research and development. Today approximately 15 % of drug revenues are derived from biopharmaceuticals. The most relevant indications are oncology, metabolic disorders and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Shaping the science-industry-policy interface in synthetic biology.

Current advances in the emerging field of synthetic biology and the improvements in key technologies promise great impacts, not only on future scientific development, but also on the economy. In this paper we will adopt the triple helix concept for analyzing the early stages of a new field of science and innovation, namely synthetic biology. Synthetic biology is based on the creation and assembly of parts in order to create new and more complex structures and functions.

EU policies in personalized medicine-related technologies.

Against the background of a number of first drug-diagnostic co-products developed and introduced into the European market, European decision-makers feel impelled to react and position themselves in the field of personalized medicine. Their reactions cover a broad range, from the analysis of knowledge requirements for market approval to the need for translational activities and the possible contribution of pharmacogenetics to public health. This article summarizes the current positions of European institutions, based on literature review and expert consultation for three items associated with personalized medicine: biobanks, genetic diagnostics and drug-diagnostic co-products, and provides an outlook on requirements for an effective future European policy on personalized medicine.

Putting pharmacogenetics into practice.

Genetics is slowly explaining variations in drug response, but applying this knowledge depends on implementation of a host of policies that provide long-term support to the field, from translational research and regulation to professional education.