Immuno-oncology uses a genetically-engineered herpes virus to kill cancer cells and stimulate immune response against malignant tumours in skin cancer patients. Such other viral therapies are being evaluated, e.g. a genetically-modified polio virus to fight brain cancer and a  re-engineered common cold virus for treating a form of bladder cancer.

3-D bioprinting and stem cell therapy Stem cells can be used to manage cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.Australia has approved stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

A Bangalore-based start up has bioprinted liver cells. 3D printing can be used in organ devellopment.

Biomarkers and companion diagnostics Prior to clinical trials which are expensive, we can predict drug failures by using biomarkers which provide a wealth of biological data. Biomarkers enable scientists to pinpoint those patients who would respond to a drug favourably. There are cancer drugs for patients with specific genetic mutations. The companion diagnostics screen patients for biomarkers which gauge the safety and accuracy of a particular treatment. Mercks Keytruda, anti-lung cancer drug has been approved by the US FDA after approving companion diagnostics to detect a protein associated with non-small cell lung cancer. The companion diagnostics enables doctors to determine whether patients have high enough level of PD-L1 biomaker for Keytruda to be effective.

Genomic Sequencing Genomics data and other clinical  information  can be integrated with day-to-day medical practice to decide a specific line of treatment. Genomic sequencing is combined with molecular diagnostics, imaging and data analytics. This deciphers the cellular structure of malignant tumours. Thereafter, tailored treatment regimens could be started.

Biosimilars Complex biologics are developed as biosimilars to make them affordable. Filgrastim has been approved as a biosimilar in 2015. Biosimilars like Insulins have been produced in India.