Question

What was the first genetically engineered medication for humans to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? What kind of living thing was engineered to produce it?

Answer 1

The first genetically engineered medication for humans to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was **Humulin**, which is a form of human insulin. It was approved in 1982. To produce Humulin, **E. coli bacteria** were genetically engineered. The bacteria were modified to carry a gene that encodes for human insulin, allowing them to synthesize the hormone, which was then harvested and purified for medical use. This marked a significant milestone in biotechnology and the development of therapeutic proteins.