Life Science is a broad field of endeavor that encompasses biotechnology (health biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and industrial bio-products), natural health products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and applications, and, related service and knowledge providers. 

 

Biotechnology is defined as any application that uses biological systems (cellular and bio-molecular processes), living organisms, or their derivatives to make or modify products or processes for specific use.

 

Agriculture Biotechnology & Natural Health Products applies life science knowledge and biotechnologies to the processing of agricultural goods and production of organic and agricultural chemicals. Product examples include: fertilizers, pesticides, sustainable lubricants and oils, herbal supplements, nutracueticals, functional foods and feed additives.

 

Environmental Biotechnology applies biological systems and engineering to harness the potential of microorganisms, plants and their components to restore and preserve the environment and for the sustainable use of resources.

 

Health Biotechnology applying cellular and bio-molecular process in R&D to develop medical treatments. Product examples include: vaccines; oncology, neurology, and cardiology treatments; tissue and cell culture media and diagnostic substances.

 

Industrial Bio-products is a field that produces bio-products using biomass (both new and waste, such as corn straw, tree branches and municipal landfill) or biological processes. Bio-industrial products are mainly everyday items: shingles, insulation, plastics, carpet, linoleum, fiberboard, specialty paper, fabric, packaging, cleaners, detergents, solvents, paints, glues, shampoo, cosmetics, lubricants, car body parts and fuels (such as ethanol - currently blended into gasoline, biodiesel and methane, and in future, hydrogen).

 

Medical Devices and Applications biomedical instruments and other health care products and supplies for diagnostics, surgery, patient care, and laboratories. Product examples include: bioimaging equipment; orthopedic and prosthetic implants and devices; dental instruments and orthodontics; laser eye surgery equipment; defibrillators (AEDs): and stents and other implantable devices.

 

Knowledge & Service Providers includes a range of activities, from highly research-oriented companies developing and commercializing new drug discovery/delivery systems, to more service-oriented medical or other testing firms. Product examples include: functional genomics and drug discovery techniques; diagnostic testing; preclinical drug therapeutics; protein receptors; bioinformatics, clinical research, and laboratory support services.

 

Pharmaceuticals Substances with proven medicinal properties that are used for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.