Big issues loom for 2000

Starting in 2000, the industry will be confronted by issues centered on public, media and political perceptions of biotechnology, and its response could set the basic parameters under which the sector will be allowed to operate, according to Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President Carl Feldbaum.

At a BIO board of directors meeting last week, Feldbaum outlined some of the strategic issues that the industry will face in the coming year. These include demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of biotech products; proving the safety of biotech research and products; dealing with issues of fairness; and handling America's role as a biotech "superpower"...