One area of biotechnology that has drawn a lot of attention in recent years is DNA vaccines. Unlike traditional vaccination that uses an infectious agent (such as a weakened version of a virus) to stimulate the immune system, DNA vaccination tries to generate immune responses by injecting genetically engineered DNA molecules into body tissues.

Pennsylvania-based Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. specializes in DNA vaccines. Many of its vaccines for cancers, leukemia, hepatitis C and other diseases