REVOLUTIONIZING INSULIN SUPPLY: UNVEILING THE POWER OF rDNA TECHNOLOGY IN PRODUCTION

Anshul Sharma*, Shikha Virk and Amrit Sarwara

Biotechnology, a technology-driven branch of biology, finds extensive applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and human medicine. While pharmaceutical biotechnology traditionally relies on fermentation and bioprocessing, a paradigm shift in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research has modernized concepts and processes. The biotechnological revolution has transformed drug research, development, manufacturing, and marketing. Among the notable achievements is the production of human insulin using rDNA technology, a groundbreaking advancement in medical science. Human recombinant insulin, synthesized under in vitro conditions, has become a cornerstone in treating various diseases and is widely utilized in clinical research. Insulin replacement therapy, the standard for type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes, has evolved from porcine and bovine sources to semisynthetic human insulin. The advent of recombinant DNA technology marked a significant leap, enabling biosynthetic production of human insulin in microorganisms like E.coli and yeast. This breakthrough ensured reliable, cost-effective, and large-scale global insulin supplies. The purity and pharmaceutical quality of recombinant human insulin surpassed its predecessors, allowing smooth transitions for patients from animal or semisynthetic insulin with no change in dose. This technology addresses the global demand for a consistent insulin supply. This unique role of recombinant DNA technology in formulating human insulin, highlighting its distinctive place in the biotechnological landscape, marking it as one of the pioneering products in the field. This offers a concise retrospective assessment of early clinical studies with recombinant insulins, highlighting their pivotal role in enhancing insulin therapy worldwide. Clinical vigilance post-transition is emphasized to confirm ongoing efficacy.