5 ways biotechnology has modernised clinical research

One of the most exciting spaces where biotechnology and clinical research meet is in the development of personalised medicine, otherwise known as pharmacogenomics. This new approach allows researchers to apply the genetic profiles of an individual patient to ascertain whether that patient will respond positively, negatively, or not at all to a specific biologic treatment.

Now clinical researchers can move away from a mass-assessment approach to research and focus on how testing can be applied on a personal level. For example, this type of research will allow prescribers to tailor medical treatments to only include medications that are most likely to work positively and to avoid any potential adverse effects. This approach is an enormous leap forward, requiring efficiency and drastic streamlining of the clinical research process. We will likely see personalised medication rolled out across more areas as the systems for applying this approach are established and widely accepted.

Biotechnology is helping progress product development at a never-seen-before rate. We are likely to see this evolution continue over the next 10 years and beyond. For example, advancements in biotech have supported the development of new monoclonal antibodies and chimeric and humanised molecules. It has also supported new novel formulations that could help deliver less toxicity and more efficacy. These advancements are primarily focused on high-priority areas, such as cancer and immune disorders, though could be applied to less severe medical issues in the coming years.

One leading focus of clinical research is proving the safety of the given medical treatment. Biotechnology is supporting better safety by offering clinical trial managers new and more accurate tools for assessing potential negative impacts. For example, recent advancements in biotech have allowed for more accessible DNA sequencing, speedier DNA synthesis and more accurate gene-editing tools.

As these tools are refined, clinical trial managers will be able to apply them in new and innovative ways to ensure a more accurate, faster and more comprehensive assessment of core areas of clinical research, such as drug safety trials.

Pandemics remain a looming concern across the globe, with most looking to the medical sector to help identify future threats and respond to them in a safe, yet timely manner. Biotechnology will continue to play a significant role in achieving this. Advancements in the area are already being applied to help develop and manufacture potential cures.

Just take the rapid production of therapeutics, structure-based engineering, immunotherapies and conjugated nanoparticles which biotech is supporting. This is an area where biotechnology professionals are working together with clinical trial teams, supporting a more robust approach to future pandemic threats.

There is no doubt that biotechnology does and will continue to have a powerful impact on the modernisation of clinical research. As professionals in this field continue to push the boundaries and discover new tools and approaches, their ability to solve some of the most pressing challenges is unmistakable. This is an exciting and fast-paced space to work in, making clinical research careers a perfect choice for ambitious individuals wanting to make a difference in the world.

We have several great opportunities to start or progress your career in clinical research. Explore project management jobs, clinical trial vacancies, clinical monitoring jobs, or biometrics opportunities to find the role that is right for you.