Biotechnology Timeline: Important Events And Discoveries In Biotechnology

1977:against the deadly rinderpest virus. The human
The Age of biotechnology arrives with somatostatingenome project is set up, a collaboration between
- a human growth hormone-releasing inhibitory factor,scientists from countries around the world to work
the first human protein manufactured in bacteria byout the whole of the human genetic code.
Genentech, Inc. A synthetic, recombinant gene was1990:
used to clone a protein for the first time.The first gene therapy takes place, on a
1978:four-year-old girl with an immune-system disorder
Genentech, Inc. and The City of Hope Nationalcalled ADA deficiency. The human genome project is
Medical Center announce the successful laboratoryformally launched.
production of human insulin using recombinant DNA1991:
technology. Hutchinson and Edgell show it is possibleMary-Claire King, of the University of California,
to introduce specific mutations at specific sites in aBerkeley, finds evidence that a gene on chromosome
DNA molecule.17 causes the inherited form of breast cancer and
1979:also increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Tracey the
Sir Walter Bodmer suggests a way of using DNAfirst transgenic sheep is born.
technology to find gene markers to show up specific1992:
genetic diseases and their carriers. John BaxterThe first liver xenotransplant from one type of
reports cloning the gene for human growth hormone.animal to another is carried out successfully. Chiron's
1980:Proleukin is approved for the treatment of renal cell
The prokaryote model, E. coli, is used to producecancer.
insulin and other medicine, in human form.1993:
Researchers successfully introduce a human gene -The FDA declares that genetically engineered foods
one that codes for the protein interferon- into aare "not inherently dangerous" and do not require
bacterium. The U.S. patent for gene cloning isspecial regulation. Chiron's Betaseron is approved as
awarded to Cohen and Boyer.the first treatment for multiple sclerosis in 20 years.
1981:1994:
Scientists at Ohio University produce the firstThe first genetically engineered food product, the
transgenic animals by transferring genes from otherFlavr Savr tomato, gained FDA approval. The first
animals into mice. The first gene-synthesizingbreast cancer gene is discovered. Genentech's
machines are developed. Chinese scientistsNutropin is approved for the treatment of growth
successfully clone a golden carp fish.hormone deficiency.
1982:1995:
Genentech, Inc. receives approval from the Food andResearchers at Duke University Medical Center
Drug Administration to market genetically engineeredtransplanted hearts from genetically altered pigs into
human insulin. Applied Biosystems, Inc. introduces thebaboons, proving that cross-species operations are
first commercial gas phase protein sequencer.possible. The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is the
1983:first living organism in the world to have its entire
The polymerase chain reaction is invented by Kary Bgenome sequenced.
Mullis. The first artificial chromosome is synthesized,1996:
and the first genetic markers for specific inheritedBiogen's Avonex is approved for the treatment of
diseases are found.multiple sclerosis. The discovery of a gene associated
1984:with Parkinson's disease provides an important new
Chiron Corp. announces the first cloning andavenue of research into the cause and potential
sequencing of the entire human immunodeficiencytreatment of the debilitating neurological ailment.
virus (HIV) genome. Alec Jeffreys introduces1997:
technique for DNA fingerprinting to identify individuals.Researchers at Scotland's Roslin Institute report that
The first genetically engineered vaccine is developed.they have cloned a sheep--named Dolly--from the cell
1985:of an adult ewe. The FDA approves Rituxan, the first
Cetus Corporation's develops GeneAmp polymeraseantibody-based therapy for cancer.
chain reaction (PCR) technology, which could1998:
generate billions of copies of a targeted geneThe first complete animal genome the C.elegans
sequence in only hours. Scientists find a gene markerworm is sequenced. James Thomson at Wisconsin
for cystic fibrosis on chromosome number 7.and John Gearhart in Baltimore each develop a
1986:technique for culturing embryonic stem cells.
The first genetically engineered human vaccine -1999:
Chiron's Recombivax HB - is approved for theA new medical diagnostic test will for the first time
prevention of hepatitis B. A regiment of scientistsallow quick identification of BSE/CJD a rare but
and technicians at Caltech and Applied Biosystems,devastating form of neurologic disease transmitted
Inc. invented the automated DNA fluorescencefrom cattle to humans.
sequencer.2000:
1987:"Golden Rice," modified to make vitamin A. Cloned
The first outdoor tests on a genetically engineeredpigs are born for the first time in work done by Alan
bacterium are allowed. It inhibits frost formation onColeman and his team at PPL, the Edinburgh-based
plants. Genentech's tissue plasminogen activatorcompany responsible for Dolly the sheep.
(tPA), sold as Activase, is approved as a treatment2001:
for heart attacks.The sequence of the human genome is published in
1988:Science and Nature, making it possible for
Harvard molecular geneticists Philip Leder and Timothyresearchers all over the world to begin developing
Stewart awarded the first patent for a geneticallygenetically based treatments for disease.
altered animal, a mouse that is highly susceptible to2002:
breast cancerResearchers sequence the DNA of rice, and is the
1989:first crop to have its genome decoded.
UC Davis scientists develop a recombinant vaccine