More problems than products
Article Abstract:
The biotechnology industry in 1990 was more successful with takeovers and mergers than new products, only one of which, gamma interferon (made by Genentech), was approved by the government for distribution. Only tow biotechnology companies turned significant profits in the year, and the one piece of legislation with important implications for drug development, an amendment to the Orphan Drug Act, was vetoed by the President. Bovine somatotropin, a hormone to increase milk production in cows, did not become a money-maker after fears by consumer groups and animal rights' activists turned milk-producers away. Gene therapy for treating a rare inherited disease, adenosine deaminase deficiency, and a project at the National Institutes of Health for treating malignant melanoma ( a highly lethal skin cancer), show promise. Similar trends in biotechnology in Europe have been underway, although Germany passed a law to regulate genetic manipulation in laboratory research and industrial production. This indicates that regulation of the growing industry is of concern. While new techniques are not involved, some had feared that Germany's strong stance limiting research using embryos would extend to other technological innovations. Switzerland, on the other hand, may be moving to restrict genetic manipulation, except when it provides "immediate medical benefit". If such laws are passed, the scope of not only the applied area of biotechnology, but the basic one of molecular biology, could narrow considerably. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1991
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Cloning of a gene that is rearranged in patients with choroideraemia
Article Abstract:
Choroideraemia an sex-linked inherited disease that is present only in males, in which the retina of the eye degenerates, leading to blindness. The gene that is defective in choroideraemia has recently been identified. The location of the defective gene had been isolated to a small segment on the X chromosome. Genes in this area of chromosome X were characterized. A gene was identified which was expressed in the various regions of the eye, such as the retina, the choroid, and the pigment epithelium of the retina. The gene was shown to be defective in nine patients with choroideraemia. Eight of the patients had portions of the gene missing or deleted, and one patient had a portion of the gene moved to another site on the chromosome. Identification of this defective gene will help the elucidation of the function of the normal gene. If the mechanisms behind the defect in the disease state can be understood, they can perhaps be corrected. It is hoped that this study provides insight into the elucidation of the defects in other diseases of the retina as well. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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The beanbag lives on
Article Abstract:
Research is presented describing the study of genotypes and the importance of gene-pool technology when studying population genetics.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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