Dr. Anthony Sun, a University of Toronto professor, has gained permission to conduct experiments in China to transplant insulin-producing cells from pigs into humans. It's easier for me to get approval there. Dr. Sun heads a team of scientists that transplanted insulin-producing pancreatic islets from pigs into diabetic monkeys, ending their symptoms of diabetes. The next step is to test the process in humans. Researchers from universities and biotechnology companies at the meeting said clinical trials or animal tests are under way for replacement skin, bones and cartilage for joints, and key parts of the heart, kidneys, pancreas and other vital organs.
Tissue engineering is furthest advanced with skin.
The agreement also covers sorghum, wheat, oilseeds and produce. The companies will work together to sequence, identify and determine the function of corn genes. Discoveries made in genetic traits and characteristics of corn may be applicable to a variety of other plants as there is a similarity between the corn genome and that of other agricultural crops. Intellectual Property and Biodiversity News is produced by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Mark Ritchie, President. Electronic mail versions are available free of charge for subscribers.