External Factors (Week 2, Chapter 2)

I suppose it will be a more concise post if I focus on my current business unit, rather than attempting to discuss macro issues with the life science business in general.  My business unit is focused on producing next generation sequencing technology that has the capability to sequence not just a gene, but an individuals whole genome.

As the world move into an era of personalized medicine, it is going to be critical to have the ability to sequence someone's genome at a reasonable cost.  Right now, if we are only sequencing a small amount of genomes, the data that is gained about inherited diseases and genetic mutations are limited.  I say this, because the more data you are able to collect, the more meaningful it will become.  1,000,000 genomes will provide much more meaningful and actionable data than 100.
The power of the genome is not just for humans, but for alternative fuel, food, and water to name a short-list.  The genome will help solve the mystery of what natural resources will produce the best alternative to oil for powering our cars, homes, and cities.  Identifying a species of rice or wheat that has higher protein percentages can help make 3rd world countries food supplies more sustainable.

However, all the benefits listed above a dependent on a politcal-legal environment that allows for the research to be done and the commercialization of the products.  Additionally, society has to be willing to adjust and accept that these changes are valuable and not detrimental.  The way I see it, political-legal and social factors are the most important areas right now for gene sequencing.

Political Legal
There will be huge debate over the coming years as we start to look at the implications of sequencing human's genomes.  Large ethical questions hang over this arena.  Who owns the sequence once tested? What are the implications for health insurance?  Will Medicare/Medicade/Obamacare pay for someone to get their DNA sequenced?
Our company can provide the tools and enable the results, but it will ultimately depend on what legal restrictions or rules are laid down by the governing bodies.

Social
The most notable debate in the social setting right now with regard to gene sequencing is tied to the GMO debate.  Companies that are producing GMO foods are using tools and methods that my company and similar companies provide.  This issue can be looked at from a higher level and debated about with regard to what people do with the tools we provide.  Providing people with the power of the genome can produce a lot of good for the world, but it will also allow for people to use the technology for other purposes.  If society is unwilling to allow for legal uses of the technology, the technology could either be used for alternative purposes or become obsolete.

The decisions made in the above two areas could significantly influence the future growth or obsolescence of our business unit. If we fail to stay abreast of the current public debate, we may loose our existence without having a say...