Biotechnology uses living cells and materials produced by cells to create pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural, environmental, and other products to benefit society. The science of biotechnology is also used to alter genetic information in animals and plants to improve them in some way that benefits people. Because biotechnology essentially uses the basic ingredients of life to make new products, it is both a cutting-edge technology and an applied science.

The U.S. Biotechnology Industry

The United States is currently the world leader in the research, development, and commercialization of biotechnology products.  Biotechnology-derived products have the potential to positively change our society, from improving health care and increasing agricultural products to producing a cleaner environment. These advances have already brought to market lifesaving health care products and microbial pesticides, and will soon offer healthier foods, disease- and insect-resistant crops, additional energy resources, environmental clean-up techniques, and more.

The biotechnology industry is poised for unprecedented dramatic growth.  The year
2000 saw more money invested in biotechnology firms than the previous five years combined.  In 2002, revenues for the estimated 4,362 biotechnology companies worldwide went up 15% to $41.3 billion.