Commercial Production of Genetically Engineered Human Insulin

Eli Lilly, a major pharmaceutical company, was the first to commercialize genetically engineered human insulin under the brand name Humulin.

Scientific Process:

Gene Identification and Isolation: The human insulin gene, responsible for producing the hormone insulin, was identified and isolated.
Plasmid Insertion: The insulin gene was inserted into small circular DNA molecules called plasmids, which serve as vectors in genetic engineering.
Bacterial Transformation: The recombinant plasmids were introduced into genetically engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, commonly used in biotechnology.
Insulin Production: The modified E. coli expressed the human insulin gene, enabling the bacteria to produce insulin, which was then harvested and purified for medical use.

This method replaced older techniques that relied on animal-derived insulin.
Genetically engineered insulin is identical to natural human insulin, reducing allergic reactions and improving treatment outcomes.
It marked a major milestone in recombinant DNA technology, transforming diabetes treatment and paving the way for other biopharmaceuticals.