⏰ when

When was the first synthetic insulin used to treat diabetes?

ScienceMedicine

Quick Answer

Recombinant human insulin was first approved for treatment in 1982. It became the first major genetically engineered medicine.

The Full Story

Recombinant human insulin was introduced for medical use in 1982, after scientists learned to insert the human insulin gene into bacteria. The resulting product closely matched human insulin and replaced earlier insulin extracted from animals. This was a major milestone in biotechnology and the first widely used genetically engineered drug. It improved supply, consistency, and treatment options for diabetes patients.

Key Facts

1.Approved in 1982
2.Produced using genetic engineering
3.First major genetically engineered medicine

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"The first biotech drug that changed diabetes care"