The Growth of the Anti-Aging Industry
The anti-aging industry is experiencing tremendous growth. Now valued at over $380 Billion, the industry is projected by economists to exceed $1 trillion by 2025.
Biotechnology companies are helping people to live longer than ever. This is due in part to efforts in the field of life extension science, which focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies for extending human life. Three technologies of importance in this field are DNA tests to aid in disease prevention, stem cell research, and gene therapy.
Stem cells allow fetuses to grow complete organs from a single cell. They are used in research to grow transplantable organs. In recent years, scientists have been able to grow replacement body parts and functioning organs. In certain situations, these organs have been successfully transplanted into human patients. Scientists expect that, as this technology continues to advance, the survival rate of patients needing organ transplants will increase dramatically.
One of the challenges in the efforts toward human life extension includes genetic defects that cause fatal diseases. Current research for combating these diseases includes modifying the structure of human DNA through gene therapy. Using gene therapy, scientists can repair damaged DNA by implanting genetic components into human cells.
Some people can inherit a much greater chance of contracting fatal illnesses. With DNA testing, scientists can pinpoint individual genes that cause a high likelihood of developing a specific disease. When locating these harmful genes, fatal diseases can be prevented or treated early enough to prevent death.
Industry experts predict that, at the current rate of advancement, the anti-aging industry may soon surpass that of traditional disease-treating healthcare.
One way for investors to get in on the ground floor is through stocks that are involved in stem cell research and gene therapy. We have a list of over a dozen stem cell stocks.
One example is Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN), a Connecticut based company, which is involved in the development of biologic therapeutic products for the treatment of hematologic and cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. They are collaborating with the University of Connecticut on stem cell research to treat and cure rare diseases. This $27 billion stock trades at 23.2 times forward earnings.
Cellgene (CELG) is a New Jersey company that is involved in the discovery, production, and marketing of therapies designed to treat cancer and immune-inflammatory-related diseases. The company owns patent on placental stem cell recovery. Cellgene has a market cap of $94.4 billion and has a forward price to earnings ratio of 17.3.
One other related narrow industry in this area is CRISPR. If you are not familiar with what this is, you can check out our CRISPR article.
Just be aware that many of the stocks involved in gene therapy and stem cells are very low cap companies and therefore, very speculative.
Hopefully, one or more of these stocks will provide you with great returns over a long and healthy life. Who knows? You may not live forever, but at least to the age to 200 or 300.
Disclosure : Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written. No recommendations are expressed or implied.
Makes a Great Gift!
, is an interesting book by Chris White, which is targeted to investment advisors and financial planners to help them deal with clients who let their emotions determine their investment decisions.
