Genetically Modified Cow Produces Human Insulin in Milk
A groundbreaking study reveals the potential for transgenic cows to revolutionize insulin production, offering hope for affordable and abundant supplies for diabetics.
- A genetically modified cow has produced milk containing human insulin, marking a significant advancement in insulin production.
- The proof-of-concept study, led by researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Universidade de São Paulo, could potentially eliminate insulin scarcity and reduce costs for diabetics.
- The transgenic cow was created by inserting a segment of human DNA coding for proinsulin into cow embryos, resulting in milk that contains both proinsulin and insulin.
- Researchers estimate that a single cow could produce enough insulin to cover the needs of hundreds of millions of diabetics worldwide, with a small herd potentially supplying a country's entire insulin requirement.
- The team plans to re-clone the cow and create transgenic bulls for a purpose-built herd, with hopes of eventually mass-producing insulin in milk after obtaining FDA approval.
ScienceDaily 
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