Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dr. Phillip Sharp, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993 for his discovery of RNA splicing, remains one of the world’s foremost scientists. He also oversees research activities in the Sharp Laboratory at MIT, where his "Sharpies" carry out studies primarily focused on RNAi and RNA splicing.
Significantly, Dr. Sharp has been a key figure in the biotechnology industry since its early days. He co-founded Biogen (now Biogen Idec) in 1978 and recently retired from its board of directors. In 2002 he was a co-founder of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, where he remains on the board.
In view of his long involvement in the academic and commercial biotech arenas and in light of the ongoing global economic recession, GEN thought it would be a good time to interview Dr. Sharp about the state of the bioindustry as well as on other issues relevant to many aspects of life science research.
During this week's podcast Dr. Sharp gives us his thoughts on the recession's potential long-term impact on the structure and health of the worldwide biotech industry. He also talks about the differences between founding a biotech company over 30 years ago and now, while contrasting the nature of the regulatory environment during those time periods.
Dr. Sharp defines what separates winners from losers in biotechnology and lists the biotech industry’s main achievements over its short history. He also points out where the industry has come up short in fulfilling some of its most hoped for expectations.
Dr. Sharp describes how it felt to win the most prestigious of scientific awards and offers some advice for entrepreneurs who might be thinking of starting a biotech company today.
7/31/2009
I think it was very informative and useful for those who are thinking about this field as an active career. Thanks to genenews, for providing an opportunity to listen to the thoughts of a pioneer in the field.
11/8/2009
Can bio-technology or genetic engineering be answer to muscular destrophy
NOTICE: As such, the comments on this blog were, are, and will always be solely the opinions of the individuals leaving them. In no way does Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, GEN Publishing, Inc., or Mary Ann Liebert ,Inc. endorse, condone, agree with, sponsor, etc. these comments.
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