Implementation of Union programme BelRosTransgen-2 to start in 2008

The unique experiment, during which Belarusian and Russian scientists bred transgenic goats, will be continued. The implementation of the Union State programme BelRosTransgen-2 will start this year, BelTA learnt from representatives of the Permanent Committee of the Union State.

An essential advance in genetic engineering is the key result of the first programme. Over the five years of its implementation Belarus created a fully equipped biotechnologies centre for transgenosis where major scientific experiments are carried out together with Russian scientists. The first transgenic goats with the implanted human lactoferrin gene (female human milk, which has immune protection qualities) have been bred. Lactoferrin’s bactericidal properties allow using it widely for treating inflammatory and oncological human diseases.

The world’s annual demand for lactoferrin is estimated at $6 billion. Belarusian and Russian scientists have managed to achieve major results for slightly more than RUB50 million.

The full title of the new programme is “Development of technologies and starting up pilot production of highly effective and biologically safe new-generation medications as well as biologically valuable baby food based on human lactoferrin, which is produced using milk of transgenic animals”. The programme provides for working out technologies and starting up pilot production of new-generation protein medications.

Source: BelTA