Let's dive deeper into genetically engineered biopharmaceuticals like insulin and growth hormones:
- Insulin: Traditionally, insulin for treating diabetes was harvested from animal pancreases, but now, we engineer bacteria, like Escherichia coli (E. coli), to produce human insulin. This synthetic insulin is almost identical to what our bodies produce, making it safer and more effective for patients.
- Growth Hormones: Similarly, growth hormones can be produced using recombinant DNA technology. By inserting the gene that codes for human growth hormone into bacterial cells, we can instruct these bacteria to produce the hormone. This engineered growth hormone is used to treat growth disorders in children and hormonal deficiencies in adults.
These genetically engineered biopharmaceuticals offer more consistent quality, scalability, and safety compared to traditional methods of production. They've revolutionized the treatment of various medical conditions, providing patients with better and more reliable access to essential medications.