One of the biggest investment opportunities over the next decade will be in companies working to delay human death. The market is expected to be worth at least $600 billion by 2025, according to one of Wall Street’s major investment banks. Genome sequencers and biotech companies are on the cusp of “bringing unprecedented increases to the quality and length of human lifespans”.
Genome science, big data and “ammortality” could soon prolong healthy human life well beyond 100 years, BofA told clients Wednesday. Medical knowledge will double every 73 days by 2020, and genomic sequencing costs have fallen 99.999% since 2003, they wrote. The Bank of America team highlighted five key sub-themes, as well as several stocks that offer exposure to the trend.
Genomics
Genomics, or the study of the human genome, is expected to be a $41 billion industry by 2025. Companies such as $46 billion genome sequencer Illumina and $27 billion lab instrument manufacturer Agilent all have exposure to the space. Illumina in particular plays “an important role in helping advance disease research”.
Big Data/AI Health
Autopsy, or the study of the causes and effects of diseases, is an area that could be a $36 billion industry by 2025, according to BofA Merrill Lynch. Advances in technology have the potential to bring down health-related costs and enable precision medicine, analysts say.
Future Food
BofA predicts the future of food companies, which are expected to ensure “healthier eating and sustainable humanity on the planet,” include Dow DuPont and WW International. These companies, according to BofA, should leverage agricultural gene editing as well as healthier lifestyles and consumption.
Ammortality
The “ammortality” theme is expected to be worth $504 billion by 2025, according to a report by the Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Health-care technology firms such as Intuitive Surgical and Zimmer worked with Apple Watch to start a clinical study for 10,000 knee and hip replacement patients.
‘Moonshot Medicine’
“Moonshot medicine” companies are working on cures or treatments for some of humanity’s toughest diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s disease. These companies include Illumina and genomics companies as well as therapy makers such as Sangamo, Vertex Pharma and Neurocrine.
