So, the process is more straightforward than scientists thought. We found that yes, some of these proteins extracted from bone do have the capacity to induce bone growth. And if you have the gene for that protein, you can mass-produce it. Scientists moved on to larger beasts, such as pigs, sheep, goats and cows. When the gene transfer works, the target animal produces the desired protein, typically in her milk.
Scientists manufacture pharmaceutical products through chemical synthesis.
Penicillin, insulin and interferon are drugs commonly manufactured in the lab. But the methods are time-consuming, expensive and marginally efficient. Some also pose health risks. Cows can manufacture proteins five times more efficiently than laboratory cell cultures. Scientists have created transgenic animals capable of producing 16 pounds of pharmaceutical protein in a year.