Growing Biotech Pharmaceuticals in plants

The steadily rising cost of health care and the high price of modern biotechnology drugs lead many experts to predict that new strategies and new technologies coming soon. New policies may require price controls or incentives to reduce costs. New technologies can improve manufacturing efficiency resulting in reduced biotech medicine costs in the future. 

Production of therapeutic proteins and vaccines in live green plants is a research area that promises to reduce costs and improve worldwide access to the benefits of biotech. This technology has shown its scientific value several times. This technology is not yet in the mainstream pharmaceutical industrial use, but it can be a very good time for an investor to seriously consider taking a stake in its bright future. 

Three companies appear to be among the brightest of the rising stars in this new green revolution. Symbiosis Genetics Inc. of Calgary, Alberta (Toronto: SBS) is to produce insulin in plants, and through its subsidiary, Botanic, working with Mann Kind Corporation (NASDAQ: MNKD) on its commercial development. 

In Newark is Delaware, iBioPharma Inc (OTCBB: IBPM) collaborating with the Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop plant-made vaccines for influenza and other infectious diseases. IBPM also recently announced new funding from the U.S. Department of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to further develop green plant technology to meet various biodefense targets. 

A third company, well funded, but still private, worth keeping an eye on. Biolex Therapeutics is developing human interferon in a small floating plant called and weeds, and has already advanced its product candidate in Phase 2 clinical trials in humans. 

We have been told for a long time that vegetables and fruit are good for our health. These plant-made pharmaceutical companies may prove to be good for our health and our stock portfolios. 

Disclaimer: the author does not currently own positions in stocks mentioned in this article. The content of this article is intended for information purposes and is not a recommendation to buy a specific security.