How to Invest in Life Science

1. How to invest in biotechnology?

Biotechnology is backed by innovation, and uses cellular and biomolecular methods to improve or create products in various industries. Public biotech companies are mostly focused on the medical markets. Most biotech firms are engaged in the long-term research and development of new medicines and vaccinations.

As it stands, there are hundreds of existing biotech products, as well as many products under development for hitherto untreatable diseases. Generally speaking, biotech products are geared towards lowering infectious disease rates, treating patients with life-threatening diseases and reducing health problems and side effects.

2. How to invest in pharma?

The pharmaceutical sector is perhaps the area most associated with the healthcare sector. That's because pharma companies are the backbone behind bringing new cures to the market and improving available treatments.

However, diseases aren’t easily targeted; there’s no specific cure for all types of cancer or a direct method for stopping the various ailments that affect humanity. As such, companies in the pharmaceutical sector expand the potential of treatments and seek new ways to work with what is already in place. For example, a company might develop drugs for multiple indications or could look at addressing broader categories, such as pain.

3. How to invest in medical devices?

Those interested in the long-term life science investing market should look to medical technology companies that are developing devices. These entities continue to play a prominent role in every level of healthcare, and as modern medicine is rapidly advancing, medical device development must keep up.

The medical device market covers a wide range of health and medical tools used in the treatment, mitigation, diagnosis and prevention of diseases and physical conditions.

Some medical device examples are neurostimulation devices, surgical implants, ultrasound imaging devices, robotic medical technology and insulin pumps and pens for diabetes. Similar to how pharma companies aim to help unmet needs, medical device companies are looking to do the same through their technologies.

4. How to invest in genetics?

Finally, genetics is the study of genes, their variations and hereditary characteristics. As Live Science describes it, genetics involves looking at how traits are passed on through generations.

Breaking that definition down, there are several major branches that make up the genetics tree: classical genetics, molecular genetics and evolutionary genetics. There are various other subcategories within those branches.

When it comes to genetics investing, companies in this niche life science sector are mostly focused on four areas: DNA sequencing, genetic testing, gene therapy and genomics, which includes genome editing.

Why invest in the life science market?

For those interested in the life science sector, there is no shortage of investment opportunities.

From top biotech stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), to Big Pharma companies, pharma ETFs, medical device companies and genetics stocks, there are many stepping stones into life science investing.

While the life sciences industry may seem complex, its overarching future is promising and ripe with investment opportunities now and for years to come.