Genetically engineering animal proteins for pharmaceutical benefit

Genetically engineering animal proteins for pharmaceutical benefit

Gene farming of animals in order to produce useful proteins and other pharmaceuticals has been tried and tested on numerous animal species, such as cattle, sheep and pigs. This “gene farming” involves altering an animals DNA or to add additional DNA from another species, which can be achieved by microinjecting a cell (such as a fertilized egg) before it divides and develops (see http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/features/pharming/).

Technology such as this has already assisted humans in developing many life-saving protein drugs such as insulin, which is used to treat diabetes. Gene technology allows human proteins that are provided only by mammals, to be manufactured, thus treating diseases and saving lives (Gillespie, 2007). Farm animals such as cattle are advantageous for this practice as they have high reproductive capacity and are easy to care for and maintain (Gillespie, 2007). The proteins produced are present in blood and milk produced by the animals, which can then be easily collected for further research and drug development.

Despite the potential life-saving advantages of gene farming animals for protein and drug development, the moral and ethical dilemma’s associated with the issue are of great concern. Gene farming for pharmaceuticals has the potential to cause significant harm to the animals involved, by infecting the animal with viruses, as well as interrupting the animal’s normal gene functionality that can result in abnormalities (Straughan, 2004).