Defensive shots

摘要

The challenges facing the aspiring perpetrator of a biological weapons-based terrorist attack are substantial but not insurmountable. However, to achieve an equivalent effect, significantly more effort would be required to realise a biological weapons attack than the conventional, chemical, or radiological alternative. IHS Jane's therefore assesses that biological weapons are currently more likely to be used for targeted assassinations than for a mass-casualty event, although governments are not complacent about the possibility. The threat from the self-infected 'bio-bomber' features prominently in the threat list for many Western countries that are potential targets for terrorist attacks. Countermeasures against biological weapons represent a significant opportunity for established life sciences companies, with both smaller and larger companies set to benefit. Nevertheless, there are significant risks: unlike other areas of the pharmaceutical industry, where manufacturers can sell to numerous clients across geographies and within countries, manufacturers of biological weapons countermeasures are likely to sell only to a limited number of countries. These contracts may be lucrative, but the periodic nature of tendering means that companies may only have one opportunity to develop and launch a product. Market share may also be obtained by providing an important or sought-after product improvement.