Synthetic Biology and Personalized Medicine

Jain, K.K.

Among new technologies, synthetic biology will contribute by the introduction of therapeutic systems based on a synthetic genome, using an expanded genetic code, and designed for specific personalized drug synthesis as well as delivery and activation by a pathological signal. Improvements in the speed and cost of DNA synthesis will enable scientists to design modified bacterial chromosomes that can be used in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates and healthcare products. Synthetic mammalian gene network-based design of biohybrid materials will be useful for applications in personalized medicine because of its interactive functionality [42] . Synthetic biology may provide the tools to devise tailored treatments for some currently incurable conditions. Synthetic biology and personalized medicine will provide commercial opportunities for the biopharmaceutical industry by discovery of personalized drugs that will be cheaper to manufacture and have a shorter and less expensive development path with lower failure rate compared to traditional drugs. Although there are a number of ethical issues they are being addressed. As further research is carried out, funding covers the investigation of relevant new ethical issues that may arise. Synthetic biology remains a promising technology for advancing personalized medicine.