Biotechnology - the enormous cost of success
Article Abstract:
A brief history is presented of the development of recombinant (recombined genes) erythropoietin, a method of manufacturing a hormone that regulates the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in circulation. Erythropoietin has enabled thousands of patients with kidney failure who must undergo hemodialysis (a procedure in which the blood is filtered to remove waste products) to combat the severe anemia (decrease in the number of erythrocytes) that develops as a side effect. The role of federal agencies and biotechnical companies in developing the product is examined. The objective in the 1970s was to purify human erythropoietin. This presented major problems because this substance is present in very low concentrations in plasma. Since concentrations increase in people with hookworm anemia, efforts were made to import large quantities of urine from South American farmers who suffered from this disease. Even when efforts were expanded to collect urine from patients with aplastic anemia, the amount recovered relative to the need for the hormone was discouraging. Techniques of molecular biology, cloning, and recombinant DNA, were focused upon by two companies: Amgen and Genetics Institute. Using standard protocols, they were able to express the protein, and obtained successful results in clinical trials. An article in the May 9, 1991 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine discusses current and future uses of erythropoietin. For kidney patients, this life-saving remedy is costly at $10,000 per patient per year. The total cost for the 120,000 patients who need it is more than $1 billion annually. The two companies are currently enmeshed in a patent struggle. The author stresses the importance of realizing that, while the final product is the result of corporate endeavor, this is only the final step in a long line of publicly funded programs and projects to develop cures for a serious disorder. While drug companies are entitled to fair profits, the public also funds much of the research that leads to drug development and deserves access to these drugs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1991
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Carbon in airway macrophages and lung function in children
Article Abstract:
A study examines the association between the carbon content of airway macrophages and lung function in a group of healthy children and the association between carbon content and variables that may affect individual exposure. Findings lead to the conclusion that there is a dose-dependent inverse association between the carbon content of airway macrophages and lung function in children, but there is no evidence that reduced lung function itself causes an increase in carbon content.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2006
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