By Lance Winslow Biopharma is an industry dependent on investment, and thus, has been importantly affected by this financial crisis. Not only are manufacturers and biotech companies being impacted, but also, vendors and service suppliers.

As of today, new technologies and product ideas have taken a second place over stock market projections. Serious lay-offs, mergers, and outsourcing opportunities are the current norm. Outsourcing has expanded beyond manufacturing and R&D, moving also into sales. This has a positive effect over short-term results, but sacrifices long-term investor equity.

In view of this spectrum, there are several important trends taking force within the global biotech reality, as identified by life sciences consulting firms; these are the promised sun after the storm.

1. Product approvals

Biopharma product approvals have been decreasing for almost five years now, especially for recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies; however, the next five years seem promising. Fewer products have been approved yearly lately, but these include more of these proteins, which have higher peak sales levels, and, although fewer of these antibodies have been approved in recent years, there are many filings pending, promising an increase in approvals over the next years. In addition, biosimilars are a long-term promising trend being adopted by the European Union and seeking FDA approval.

2. Mergers and acquisitions

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