The number of people that are aging is large and growing. There are many drugs being tested right now to assist and treat some of the diseases and illnesses associated with aging. The FDA has been approving many of the drugs under clinical trials in hopes that one of the drugs may turn out to be a cure for cancer. This is one of the reasons the number of products on the market is increasing exponentially.

In the last 50 years, the biotechnology sector has witnessed several important milestones. The double helix was introduced in the early 1950’s. In the mid 60’s, the genetic code was cracked. Ten years later, in 1976, Genentech formed and became the first biotechnology company in existence. In 1982, Insulin injections were approved by the Federal Drug Administration for diabetic treatment. Insulin was the first biotech drug to be approved by the FDA. In the early 90’s, the first breast cancer gene was discovered, which led to advances in research to find a cure for breast cancer. 2004 was the most significant milestone for the biotechnology sector when the first anti-angiogenic drug for cancer was approved by the FDA, Avastin.

The publicly traded pharmaceutical companies and biotech stocks have always led the market. Pharmaceuticals have been dominant because of the need for drugs and the growth of the overall marketplace. Biotech drugs are unique because they are created from biological resources, which means the drugs are difficult to copy with a generic drug. This makes the biotech drugs needed and more valuable.

If you are considering investing in biotech stock, make sure you know the products that are being developed by the company you are considering for investment. Companies that have multiple products in development or that have been approved and are in use may be your best bet. Biotech stock is risky and one must be willing to accept the risk as a trade-off for potentially high returns. If one invests in a biotech stock that only has one drug under development and that drug ends up causing heart disease in hundreds of tested patients, then one stands to lose everything. In addition, make sure to seek the advice of a an investment professional.

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