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Cloned cows producing human insulin
Posted on Apr 19th 2007 10:00AM by Bethany SandersToday, most insulin that's used to treat type 1 and 2 diabetes is created by genetically engineered bacteria grown in tanks (in a lab, I presume.) But Argentine scientists have come up with a way to clone genetically engineered cows, and may have revolutionized the way insulin is produced.
By splicing a human gene into that of a calf fetus, the scientists have created cloned animals that will start producing human insulin when they are adults. The milk from these animals will be purified and processed, and the insulin will be extracted. Here's what stunned me -- 25 cows should be able to produce enough insulin to treat the 1.5 million diabetics in Argentina. In addition, it'll cost about 30% less to manufacture.
If this process becomes the norm, hopefully 200 million patients with diabetes worldwide will see those reduced prices reflected in their monthly prescription bill.
By splicing a human gene into that of a calf fetus, the scientists have created cloned animals that will start producing human insulin when they are adults. The milk from these animals will be purified and processed, and the insulin will be extracted. Here's what stunned me -- 25 cows should be able to produce enough insulin to treat the 1.5 million diabetics in Argentina. In addition, it'll cost about 30% less to manufacture.
If this process becomes the norm, hopefully 200 million patients with diabetes worldwide will see those reduced prices reflected in their monthly prescription bill.
