5 ways biotechnology has modernised clinical research
Biotechnology plays an unmistakable role in today's society. From, agriculture to marine and industry to medicine, biotech is responsible for countless products. In fact, advances in biotech will be essential to overcoming many of the pressing challenges we face in these areas in the coming years. One of these challenges is the development of more robust, streamlined and informative clinical research.
Developments in the use of biological systems have created new ways to approach medical challenges. This has both relied on clinical research to test the application of these methods and helped develop innovation in the approach to clinical research itself.
Keep reading to discover the primary ways biotechnology has and will continue to modernise clinical research.
Personalised medicine
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.
Product development
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.
Product safety
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.
Improving manufacturing processes
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.
Do you want to be involved in shaping the future of clinical research?
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.
Sign up for post alerts
ICON & You
The potential of together.
Careers that improve the lives of patients, our clients and each other. Are you ready to make a difference?
View jobsRelated jobs at ICON
Salary
Location
Brazil
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Brazil
Remote Working
Remote
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
A Clinical Research Associate is a professional who contributes to accelerated drug/device/outcomes research through independent monitoring of studies to ensure patient safety and data integrity. You
Reference
2024-112028
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Bruna DuarteAuthor
Bruna DuarteSalary
Location
Boston
Department
Clinical Monitoring
Location
Boston
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Strategic Solutions
Job Categories
Clinical Monitoring
Job Type
Permanent
Description
As a Clinical Research Associate II you will be joining the world’s largest & most comprehensive clinical research organisation, powered by healthcare intelligence.
Reference
2024-111781
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Jeffrey VillasenorAuthor
Jeffrey VillasenorSalary
Location
US, Blue Bell (ICON)
Location
Blue Bell
Remote Working
Office Based
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Drug Safety
Job Type
Permanent
Description
At ICON, it’s our people that set us apart. Our diverse teams enable us to become a better partner to our customers and help us to fulfil our mission to advance and improve patients’ lives.Our ‘Own It
Reference
JR122147
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Mitzi OvertonAuthor
Mitzi OvertonSalary
Location
Mexico, Mexico City
Department
Full Service - Project Management
Location
Brazil
Mexico City
Remote Working
Hybrid: Office/Remote
Business Area
ICON Full Service & Corporate Support
Job Categories
Clinical Project Management
Job Type
Permanent
Description
At ICON, it’s our people that set us apart. Our diverse teams enable us to become a better partner to our customers and help us to fulfil our mission to advance and improve patients’ lives. Our ‘Own I
Reference
JR116386
Expiry date
01/01/0001
Author
Muna NelkeAuthor
Muna NelkeRelated stories
![Personal development](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481126/e40ce6f4-d08e-41da-9b68-65e34e789e42/2023.17000.2380/img/4fmGXb7Dl03FGQjckQeAsQ/75/Blog+Thumbnail+240x240+(17).png)
Teaser label
Career ProgressionContent type
BlogsPublish date
06/20/2024
Summary
In today's rapidly evolving job market, especially within the STEM fields, staying competitive requires continuous skill development. As we look forward to 2024, certain skills have become indispensa
![Man in a clinical lab](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481126/e40ce6f4-d08e-41da-9b68-65e34e789e42/2023.17000.2380/img/lZtW0tZRSkEXGgjcg4SG8A/75/Blog+Thumbnail+240x240+(16).png)
Teaser label
IndustryContent type
BlogsPublish date
06/07/2024
Summary
Introduction to Clinical Research Management Clinical research management is a complex and multifaceted field that encompasses the planning, execution, and oversight of clinical trials and studies
![2 muffins on a plate](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481126/e40ce6f4-d08e-41da-9b68-65e34e789e42/2023.17000.2380/img/74ew1z84TE4Wpwjcg4SG8A/75/Blog+Thumbnail+240x240+(15).png)
Teaser label
Inclusion & BelongingContent type
BlogsPublish date
06/03/2024
Summary
International Day of Families 2024 ICON plc recently celebrated the International Day of Families on May 15th, creating an event that truly captured the spirit of this day. Working with the SPACE
Recently viewed jobs
A better career. A better world. A better you.
Our people are our greatest strength, are the core of our culture and the driving force behind our success. Throughout all levels of the company, our people have a drive to succeed and a passion that ensures what we do, we do well. We help you build exciting and rewarding careers, deliver results to help bring life-changing medicine and devices to market and maintain ICON’s success as an industry leader. See all locations Read more