Biotechnology Portals in Medicine

Abstract

The 2005 global revenues of publicly traded biotechnology companies have grown by 18.1% to $63.1 billion (Donn, 2006). Many countries are now investing in research and development in the biotechnology industry as it is believed this 30 year-old industry is moving toward profitability. The stock value in this industry has outperformed the average stock value in many countries. In the pre-genomic era, a typical life sciences company would have marketed diagnostic kits, assays, chemicals, measuring equipment, and research products to name a few. In the genomic era, a new range of products is marketed focusing on molecular medicine. Among these new products are bioinformatics software solutions, storage systems, biotechnology systems, and solutions researching into genes and proteins, tools for analysis of genetic sequence data, integrated systems and solutions for disease research, and new drug discovery (Cader, 2004). The need for biotechnology portals is now more than justified and will be a useful information and knowledge source. A biotechnology portal is a gateway of comprehensive source of information and knowledge to those interested in knowing about biotechnology and the benefits this industry is offering. It should be considered as the first point of reference for those seeking reliable, quality, and current information and knowledge about issues in biotechnology. In addition, it should be interactive and have the appropriate tools to enable a community of users to share information and knowledge among them. There should also be a commercial component to the biotechnology portal, which should be to generate revenue through advertisements and offers to its target visitors. This revenue is essential to ensure the maintenance and survival of the portal and offer value to all its stakeholders. A biotechnology portal will not be complete unless it provides information on biotechnology stocks to potential investors seeking insights into this industry. A biotechnology portal is like any online business with various objectives such as profits, growth, market share, and innovation.