Okay folks, I am no sure whether to laugh of cry - or maybe get really scared. Jake Marcus-Cipolla FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Genzyme Transgenics Corp. (Nasdaq:GZTC) today announced that it has achieved expression levels of 3 milligrams per milliliter of human prolactin in the milk of transgenic mice, a level 30 to 50 times greater than that achieved in conventional cell culture production systems. Because of the high expression levels in mice, the company believes that transgenic production of prolactin will be potentially more cost-effective than traditional methods of producing the protein. Genzyme Transgenics has also demonstrated that transgenically produced prolactin is biologically active, and has already begun work toward producing prolactin in the milk of transgenic goats. The company is developing prolactin as part of its "nutraceuticals" program. Nutraceuticals, a growing segment of the health care products market, are nutritional supplements that have dietary and health benefits. Genzyme Transgenics believes that the development time for nutraceuticals may be shorter than for traditional pharmaceuticals because nutritional supplements are often not required to undergo extensive clinical trials prior to product launch. Human prolactin, a protein secreted by several body tissues, including the pituitary and mammary glands and cells of the immune system, may enhance the body's immune defenses against disease. Prolactin affects a broad spectrum of immune cells which may, in turn, improve immunity. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that prolactin increases antibody levels in response to vaccination and enhances the ability of immune cells to kill bacteria. In addition, the studies show that prolactin increases white blood cell production of interleukin-2 and gamma interferon - two important immune cell growth factors involved in immune responses. The studies also show that prolactin increases the proliferation of antigen-specific white blood cells and the ability of certain types of white blood cells to kill bacteria. Prolactin is secreted into milk during lactation and has several apparent beneficial effects on the development of newborn babies. Scientists believe it contributes to immune system maturation, the development of active substances on the surfaces of the gut and lung, and active immunity against infections. Given prolactin's immunity-enhancing effects, high prolactin levels may help protect infants from infections in the first year of life, during which time the immunity they gained passively from their mothers diminishes. Genzyme General (Nasdaq:GENZ), which holds exclusive rights to recombinant human prolactin and certain uses, has licensed rights to Genzyme Transgenics in the nutritional field. Genzyme Transgenics is a biotechnology company focused on biopharmaceutical development through transgenic production of genetically engineered therapeutic products; specialized contract research services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and other companies; and the production of cancer vaccines. Genzyme General owns approximately 43 percent of the outstanding stock of Genzyme Transgenics. This press release contains forward-looking statements about the cost- effectiveness of transgenically produced recombinant human prolactin and the development time for nutraceutical products. Actual results may differ materially from these projections depending on the price-sensitivity of customers, the accuracy of the company's information about potential competitors, and the content and timing of decisions of regulatory agencies worldwide. Genzyme Transgenics' releases are on the World Wide Web at http://www.genzyme.com. They are also available from Genzyme's fax-on-demand service at 1-800-436-1443 within the United States or 1-201-521-1080 outside the United States.