Scientists working for Bio Sidus in Argentina have developed a genetically modified cow that can produce insulin in its milk. The company says the four cloned calves will start producing the insulin-rich milk when they reach maturity. To clone the cows, scientists insert a human gene into an embryo, which is then implanted in the mother. The insulin is later extracted from the milk. Bio Sidus said that the procedure can be used to develop insulin for 30 percent less than current methods and that 25 of the cows would be enough to provide insulin for all 1.5 million diabetics in Argentina. There are 200 million diabetics worldwide. Bio Sidus is one of a number of companies involved in transgenics.
- read the report on the new insulin manufacturing process from The Standard