Of interest is the following quote from the 8th International Pacific Rim 
Biotechnology Conference 2002.  I recognize that there are many on this list 
that may think that transgenics hasn't happened yet.  So thought this worth 
reading for the skeptics and anyone else who has an interest.  Valerie W. 
McClain, IBCLC
http://www.biotech.org.nz/confernc.htm

"The interface between agricultural biotechnology and human therapeutics was 
explored by Stewart Washer from Celentis, a company which commercialises 
research from the crown research institute, AgResearch. Using transgenic 
animals to produce protein therapeutics has already been successful, with the 
first targets already produced. The demand for protein-based therapeutics 
will outstrip the supply. It is estimated that up to 30% of new products 
developed will utilise alternative technologies. Mammalian cell culture and 
transgenic animals are the two techniques that can currently be used to 
produce complex proteins. However, there is a cost benefit on the side of 
transgenics, with the investment and production costs for a herd of cattle 
being 1-2% of those for a mammalian cell culture plant. Purification costs 
for products from both methods of production are similar. The FDA sees New 
Zealand as a popular choice for the use of transgenic animals as animal 
bioreactors because of its BSE-free status. Celentis is also interested in 
drug delivery systems, particularly those that would improve the safety, 
efficiency and the cost of treatments. Two controlled release products are 
currently on the market – TimeCapsule (TM) and SmartShot (TM) for animal 
health. Currently under development is milk with increased levels of 
immunoglobulin A, which would assist in boosting the immune system against 
human pathogens. The interface between agricultural and medical biotechnology 
allows the strong capability in agriculture to impact on medical 
biotechnology, whilst the large R&D spend on medical research benefits the 
agricultural industry. The final business session of the day provided an 
interesting mix of technology transfer, spin out companies, venture capital 
and developments in health research."




             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html