Expert emphasizes role of biotechnology to developing breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
About a century ago, people with diabetes had limited options beyond strict diets to extend their lives by a few years at most. The discovery of insulin, initially extracted from cattle and pigs, transformed the outlook for diabetes patients, allowing those who could afford it to lead functional lives. The advent of synthetic human insulin in 1978, produced from human DNA using bacteria, drastically reduced costs and made insulin more affordable.
In a major medical breakthrough, doctors in Shanghai have essentially cured diabetes in 2024. Utilizing cell transplant technology, they enabled a diabetes patient who required daily insulin injections to live insulin-free for 33 months as of June 2024.
Dr. Reynante Ordonio of the Crop Biotechnology Center of PhilRice, highlighted the significance of this development at a recent biotechnology forum “This is the power of biotechnology. Since its discovery, insulin has saved millions of lives, allowing people with a life-threatening disease to live normal lives for decades. With further research, we may soon fully cure diabetes,” he said.
Dr. Ordonio also addressed the concerns raised by groups opposed to biotechnology, including genetically modified crops and vaccines. He argued that biotechnology and genetic engineering are essential tools for overcoming long-standing human challenges, demonstrating their profound impact on health and longevity.
In a major medical breakthrough, doctors in Shanghai have essentially cured diabetes in 2024. Utilizing cell transplant technology, they enabled a diabetes patient who required daily insulin injections to live insulin-free for 33 months as of June 2024.
Dr. Reynante Ordonio of the Crop Biotechnology Center of PhilRice, highlighted the significance of this development at a recent biotechnology forum “This is the power of biotechnology. Since its discovery, insulin has saved millions of lives, allowing people with a life-threatening disease to live normal lives for decades. With further research, we may soon fully cure diabetes,” he said.
Dr. Ordonio also addressed the concerns raised by groups opposed to biotechnology, including genetically modified crops and vaccines. He argued that biotechnology and genetic engineering are essential tools for overcoming long-standing human challenges, demonstrating their profound impact on health and longevity.
