Egg genes fillip
3 December 1999
Egg genes fillip
EGGS could become a cheap option for manufacturing pharmaceuticals.
According to a report in New Scientist, Nov 13, US company GeneWorks of Michigan state has 50 to 60 genetically engineered birds.
Some of these birds carry a gene enabling them to produce human growth factor in eggs, and others produce a human antibody which could be used to treat disease.
Another US company, AviGenics, has birds which produce a cancer treating interferon. It says the gene – injected into bird embryos as a protein contained in a harmless virus – has already been passed on to further generations of birds, saving on repeating the process. *
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