Made by Genetic Engineering

A publication of the Section on Applied Functional Genomics of the European Federation of Biotechnology

Since the advent of genetic engineering or 'modern biotechnology' in the 1970s, it has become possible to mass produce therapeutically useful compounds, vaccines, new drugs, diagnostic aids, novel or improved industrial enzymes, and crops with improved agronomic or consumer benefits. The foreseeable impact of genetic engineering on the future well-being of mankind and the environment has raised not only hopes to conquer diseases but also fears of misuse and of accidental creation of organisms prone to destroy the balance of nature.

While the potential misuse should and hopefully will be prevented by society itself, the second fear can only be dispelled by the scientific community through objective publications of scientific discoveries.

In 1990, the Working Party on Applied Molecular Genetics of the European Federation of Biotechnology decided to provide the general public with easy to read information on the first wave of products coming out of 'biotechnology'. The result was a series of articles called 'Made by Genetic Engineering' which has been continued by the section on Applied Genome Research. This brochure contains a summary of the articles which were published between 1991-1992 in Biotech Forum Europe and from 1995-2000 in the Journal of Biotechnology. It contains examples of 25 genetically engineered products available on the market. The products are grouped according to the benefits they impart in terms of safety, availability, alternative source or product novelty.