Sci-fi Meets Reality: The Business of Synthetic Biology

Turning over the pen this week to ChatGPT. For geeks out there, I used AWS's trancription capabaility to convert the episode into text and then asked ChatGPT to write a blog post. A few edits for accuracy and....

In the latest episode of Twinning Strategy, we had the pleasure of chatting with Cam Owen, co-founder and president of rBio, as well as a synthetic biologist. The conversation revolved around the profound impact synthetic biology is having on various sectors, highlighting its transformative potential in healthcare, manufacturing, and environmental sustainability.

Cam began by defining synthetic biology as the art and science of designing biological systems in a manner similar to programming computers. This innovative approach allows scientists to construct biological factories that can produce essential compounds such as insulin, biofuels, and various peptides. Cam humorously likened current advancements in synthetic biology to something out of the dystopian series *Black Mirror*, but with a positive twist, suggesting it leads to beneficial outcomes rather than calamities.

To contextualize the field, Cam took a step back to the late 20th century when recombinant DNA technology emerged, enabling scientists to splice and manipulate the genetic material of organisms. This foundational technology paved the way for the development of synthetic biology. Over the past 4.5 years, rBio has transformed into a robust platform aimed at optimizing the production of proteins.

Cam outlined several areas where synthetic biology stands to make significant advancements:
1. Manufacturing: Companies like rBio are at the forefront of creating more efficient biological manufacturing platforms. 
2. Drug Development: Engineered microorganisms can lead to the production of new pharmaceuticals and therapeutic compounds.
3. Customized Therapy: Synthetic biology allows for the tailoring of medical treatments based on individual genetic profiles, heralding an era of personalized medicine.
4. Bioremediation: Designing microbes to break down environmental pollutants, plastics, and toxins could revolutionize sustainability initiatives.

One notable insight was the difference in perspectives toward funding in synthetic biology versus traditional therapeutic approaches. There is a tendency for investors to be reluctant unless they see clear therapeutic end point. However, companies focusing on an operating system-type model, like his, may have greater scalability and potential for success.

The conversation also touched upon the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in synthetic biology. Cam spoke about the challenges and opportunities in scaling biological processes, emphasizing that biology is inherently complex. While AI is not widely used at rBio yet, it holds promise for revolutionizing drug discovery and optimizing production processes.

As the discussion progressed, Cam expressed excitement about the future, urging listeners to keep an eye on the innovations emerging from synthetic biology. He firmly believes that we are just at the beginning of a biological revolution that could tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges.

To wrap up the episode, Cam shared a powerful thought: "Synthetic biology is not the future; it is now." His optimism is infectious, and it's clear that synthetic biology has the potential to change the world — from sustainable energy solutions to advancements in personalized medicine.