New Zealand Biotechnology
Human Health & Performance
Historical excellence in primary industries and a wealth of scientific knowledge have worked together to create New Zealand's fast emerging, cutting-edge profile in human health and performance.
Developing innovative human health products ranging from specific drugs targeting conditions such as Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases and diabetes, to therapeutic compounds focused on immune disorders, cancer and heart disease, New Zealand is successfully developing its global connections and strong technological capabilities.
Human health benefits from 17 percent of private sector biotechnology expenditure and creates 23 percent of employment in New Zealand. Furthermore, the government views this as a very important area, and its investment into human health is second only to ag-biotech, an area in which New Zealand excels and is acknowledged as world leader.
New Zealand has internationally rated clinical trial capabilities, highly competitive research and development costs, and high ethics and regulatory standards. It also has capabilities in drug design, synthesis and manufacture.
Overseas and local partnerships are encouraged by the Government and further sector development will be supported by the recent creation of the Australian New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority.
The majority of New Zealand's biotechnology investment activity has focused on human health, and through strategic alliances the sector is increasingly attracting Australian and US funds.
