By Dr. Muhammad Noaman Saeed Khattak
The world of biotechnology is no longer just about petri dishes and test tubes—it’s about rewriting the rules of life itself. In 2025, researchers across the globe are making headlines with innovations that, just a decade ago, would have sounded like science fiction.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most fascinating breakthroughs that are reshaping how we understand life, medicine, and the future of humanity.
At the forefront is the remarkable field of de-extinction. A U.S.-based startup, Colossal Biosciences, is making global waves. They’ve not only created gene-edited mice with woolly mammoth traits but also recently introduced genetically engineered wolf pups designed to mimic the extinct dire wolf. It’s not Jurassic Park—but it’s close. And while these advances offer hope for ecological restoration, they raise serious ethical questions about how far science should go.
Meanwhile, in the academic labs of Canada, a group of students at the University of Ottawa have created “Phytogene”—a project that allows plants to grow medications. By modifying the Nicotiana benthamiana plant (a cousin of the tobacco plant), they’ve enabled it to produce compounds similar to Ozempic, a popular diabetes and weight-loss drug. Imagine a world where you could grow your own medicine at home. It’s still experimental—but revolutionary.
And while some scientists are looking to the past, others are racing to solve modern problems like Alzheimer’s disease. This year, researchers have developed a blood test with over 90% accuracy for early detection—along with new treatments that use mRNA and even nasal sprays to slow down cognitive decline. It’s a promising turn in a battle that affects millions of families around the world.
From the labs to the market, big players like AstraZeneca are making strategic moves. Their recent $1 billion acquisition of EsoBiotec—a company that can modify immune cells inside the human body—signals a massive shift in cell therapy and oncology. This technology could make cancer treatments faster, more effective, and more personal.
Not to be left behind, geopolitical dynamics are playing a role too. A recent U.S. report warns that China is advancing faster in biotech than the West. The recommendation? Invest $15 billion to catch up. Because in this age, biotechnology isn’t just science—it’s strategy.
So what does this mean for developing countries like Pakistan?
It means opportunity. The world is on the edge of a biotech revolution, and those who invest in research, innovation, and ethics today will lead tomorrow.
Biotechnology is no longer a lab subject—it’s a life subject. And the future is already here.
