Last updated on April 1, 2019
That’s with a Ph, as in Pharmaceuticals. This biotech process uses genetic engineering to insert genes of pharmaceuticals into host animals or plants that would not otherwise express those genes. This began somewhere around 2000, but now it’s rampantly under experimentation.
In animal pharming the host animals’ DNA is genetically engineered to express a pharmaceutical in the animals milk…hopefully. For example, a cow or goat can be genetically engineered to give milk that will provide medication. Specific examples include vaccinations, blood clotting medications, and medications that fight eye and lung infections. It’s a risky prospect for the animal because the genetic engineering disrupts normal gene function and DNA processes. Of course there are animal rights issues here, however the major concern is that food systems could become contaminated with pharmaceutical products. (I believe the test herds are now in China and Brazil.)
Pharming projects are also being conducted with plants, using corn and potatoes bioengineered with, for example, cystic fibrosis and antibacterial medications. The biotech companies are in France and Germany, but they work with farms in the U.S. The reason for this is that farming of genetically modified crops are illegal in many countries in the EU, and definitely in France and Germany where said biotech companies function. Thus, they turn to farmers in the states where GMO farming practices are legal, and partner up.
Major concerns with bio-pharming are, again, that food or feed crops may become contaminated with the pharmaceutical products, and also that the products may have negative effects on natural ecosystems.
Major concerns with bio-pharming are, again, that food or feed crops may become contaminated with the pharmaceutical products, and also that the products may have negative effects on natural ecosystems.
I am actively researching this topic and will update this post shortly.
10/4/2013 05:18:27 pm
Thank you so much for writing such a nice article. Please share more and more information…
