19.2.1—Recombinant human proteins

Recombinant DNA allows microbes or cultured cells to produce human proteins such as insulin, factor VIII or adenosine deaminase.

The therapeutic product must be made in a form that is safe, correctly folded and controllable in dose.

Recombinant insulin avoids relying on extracting the same hormone from animal pancreases.

Producing a human protein does not remove immune, dose or manufacturing risks.