1. Introduction: Biotechnology, bio-industry and bio-economy -- 2. Medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology : current achievements and innovation prospects -- 3. Regulatory issues -- 4. The economics of pharmaceutical biotechnology and bio-industry -- 5. Promising areas and ventures -- 6. Medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology in some developing countries -- 7. Social acceptance of medical and pharmaceutical biotechnology -- 8. The globalization of regulatory standards and ethical norms : solidarity with developing nations.