In the milk of 30 genetically modified goats on GTC
Biotherapeutics's farm in Charlton, Mass., is a drug that can
literally make your blood flow--the human protein antithrombin,
which inhibits clotting. In a dramatic reversal, after European
reg-ulators rejected this drug (called ATryn), they now look
ready to approve it later this year. The ruling would make ATryn
the first human protein made by a transgenic animal for
commercial production. Perhaps more important, the judgment in
favor of the goats paves the way for more drug-making transgenic
farm animals. Origen Therapeutics in Burlingame, Calif., has
developed a versatile, cost-effective method for genetically
transforming chickens--one that is on par with creating
transgenic mice, now common in the lab. In principle, the birds
could produce a variety of different proteins in their eggs,
including drugs. This article was originally published with the
title Old MacDonald's Pharm.