Meet European challenges
Europeāand the worldāfaces major challenges, from health threats to climate risk. Advances in biological science can be part of the solution, but Europe needs new impetus to translate its strong science base into a broader application of biological solutions to these complex and difficult issues.
One way to breathe new life into Europeās biological-innovation capacity and capabilities is to establish goals for improving citizensā health and mitigating climate risk and then to ensure that Europeās Bio Revolution delivers on those goals. In other words, Europe could pivot to a demand-led rather than supply-led view, making mission-led innovation a core strategy for meeting these challenges.
A Bio Revolution is under way
Fueled by the confluence of progress and innovation in biological sciences and technology, this movement has the potential to help the world overcome its biggest challenges, from health to climate change.
We have already seen biological innovationācoupled with powerful computing and AI capabilitiesādeliver effective COVID-19 vaccines at an unprecedented speed. There is no doubt that biology is one of the keys to not only enhancing health but also tackling climate change.
Translate that capacity into innovation at scale
Europe has considerable scientific strengths, but it has not been wholly effective in translating that capacity into innovation at scale.
If Europe were to turn its formidable science base into true impact, the average 65-year-old in 2040 could be as healthy as a 55-year-old today.
Furthermore, the European Green Deal would become a reality. Biology-based scientific innovation and commercialization should be an integral part of Europeās strategy to achieve the full potential of the Bio Revolution.
Bio Production Potential
The previous findings from the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) indicate that the Bio Revolution has the potential to tackle up to 45 percent of the world’s disease burden using currently conceivable scientific methods.
Among the various facets of the Bio Revolution, advancements in health-related biological innovation stand out as the most advanced. This domain holds significant promise for enhancing the well-being of Europe’s population.
It opens doors to more effectively manage future pandemics, cure or even prevent diseases from developing, and extend life expectancy. MGI research highlights the possibility that by 2040, the average 65-year-old could enjoy the same health status as a 55-year-old today.
This not only promotes individual health but also carries substantial socioeconomic impact. By shifting focus from treating illnesses to preventative health measures, this aspect of the Bio Revolution could lead to a more robust and productive workforce, involving older individuals, those with disabilities, and informal caregivers, while simultaneously reducing the burden of chronic health conditions.
Bio Revolution’s potential social impacts
Combatting Diseases
The struggle against diseases like cancer remains a significant challenge.
Breakthrough treatments like CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors and gene therapies for previously incurable genetic diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy, showcase the transformative power of the Bio Revolution.
Innovations like CRISPR technology are poised to treat conditions like sickle cell anemia, while advancements in understanding the microbiome hold promise for addressing diseases like Alzheimer’s and inflammatory disorders.
The use of microbiome approaches for therapy, as an alternative to antibiotics, is also being explored in cases like bacterial vaginosis.
Extending Healthy Lifespan
Pioneering techniques like senolytics and cellular aging regulation are focusing on the root causes of aging and related ailments.
Companies like Numeric Biotech and Eternans are developing senolytic agents to target senescent cells for the treatment of age-related diseases. Enhanced diagnostics and personalized medicine enable quicker, more precise treatment decisions.
Utilizing AI algorithms and next-generation sequencing, entities like Sophia Genetics are advancing treatments for a range of conditions, from oncology to rare diseases. mRNA printing technology, exemplified by CureVac RMA Printer GmbH, holds promise for tailored therapeutic cancer vaccines and other treatments.
Enhancing quality of life
MGI’s research underscores the substantial economic impact of disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, estimating a value between $0.5 trillion and $1.3 trillion over the next couple of decades.
COVID-19 vaccine development, illustrated by the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca-Oxford collaborations, exemplifies impactful preventative measures.
Notably, CRISPR technologies are now making it feasible to address vector-borne infectious diseases like malaria by altering entire populations’ genomes.