Biotechnology Timeline: Important Events And Discoveries In Biotechnology

1977:genome project is set up, a collaboration between
The Age of biotechnology arrives with "somatostatin"scientists from countries around the world to work
- a human growth hormone-releasing inhibitory factor,out the whole of the human genetic code.
the first human protein manufactured in bacteria by1990:
Genentech, Inc. A synthetic, recombinant gene wasThe first gene therapy takes place, on a
used to clone a protein for the first time.four-year-old girl with an immune-system disorder
1978:called ADA deficiency. The human genome project is
Genentech, Inc. and The City of Hope Nationalformally launched.
Medical Center announce the successful laboratory1991:
production of human insulin using recombinant DNAMary-Claire King, of the University of California,
technology. Hutchinson and Edgell show it is possibleBerkeley, finds evidence that a gene on chromosome
to introduce specific mutations at specific sites in a17 causes the inherited form of breast cancer and
DNA molecule.also increases the risk of ovarian cancer. Tracey the
1979:first transgenic sheep is born.
Sir Walter Bodmer suggests a way of using DNA1992:
technology to find gene markers to show up specificThe first liver xenotransplant from one type of
genetic diseases and their carriers. John Baxteranimal to another is carried out successfully. Chiron's
reports cloning the gene for human growth hormone.Proleukin is approved for the treatment of renal cell
1980:cancer.
The prokaryote model, E. coli, is used to produce1993:
insulin and other medicine, in human form.The FDA declares that genetically engineered foods
Researchers successfully introduce a human gene -are "not inherently dangerous" and do not require
one that codes for the protein interferon- into aspecial regulation. Chiron's Betaseron is approved as
bacterium. The U.S. patent for gene cloning isthe first treatment for multiple sclerosis in 20 years.
awarded to Cohen and Boyer.1994:
1981:The first genetically engineered food product, the
Scientists at Ohio University produce the firstFlavr Savr tomato, gained FDA approval. The first
transgenic animals by transferring genes from otherbreast cancer gene is discovered. Genentech's
animals into mice. The first gene-synthesizingNutropin is approved for the treatment of growth
machines are developed. Chinese scientistshormone deficiency.
successfully clone a golden carp fish.1995:
1982:Researchers at Duke University Medical Center
Genentech, Inc. receives approval from the Food andtransplanted hearts from genetically altered pigs into
Drug Administration to market genetically engineeredbaboons, proving that cross-species operations are
human insulin. Applied Biosystems, Inc. introduces thepossible. The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae is the
first commercial gas phase protein sequencer.first living organism in the world to have its entire
1983:genome sequenced.
The polymerase chain reaction is invented by Kary B1996:
Mullis. The first artificial chromosome is synthesized,Biogen's Avonex is approved for the treatment of
and the first genetic markers for specific inheritedmultiple sclerosis. The discovery of a gene associated
diseases are found.with Parkinson's disease provides an important new
1984:avenue of research into the cause and potential
Chiron Corp. announces the first cloning andtreatment of the debilitating neurological ailment.
sequencing of the entire human immunodeficiency1997:
virus (HIV) genome. Alec Jeffreys introducesResearchers at Scotland's Roslin Institute report that
technique for DNA fingerprinting to identify individuals.they have cloned a sheep--named Dolly--from the cell
The first genetically engineered vaccine is developed.of an adult ewe. The FDA approves Rituxan, the first
1985:antibody-based therapy for cancer.
Cetus Corporation's develops GeneAmp polymerase1998:
chain reaction (PCR) technology, which couldThe first complete animal genome the C.elegans
generate billions of copies of a targeted geneworm is sequenced. James Thomson at Wisconsin
sequence in only hours. Scientists find a gene markerand John Gearhart in Baltimore each develop a
for cystic fibrosis on chromosome number 7.technique for culturing embryonic stem cells.
1986:1999:
The first genetically engineered human vaccine -A new medical diagnostic test will for the first time
Chiron's Recombivax HB - is approved for theallow quick identification of BSE/CJD a rare but
prevention of hepatitis B. A regiment of scientistsdevastating form of neurologic disease transmitted
and technicians at Caltech and Applied Biosystems,from cattle to humans.
Inc. invented the automated DNA fluorescence2000:
sequencer."Golden Rice," modified to make vitamin A. Cloned
1987:pigs are born for the first time in work done by Alan
The first outdoor tests on a genetically engineeredColeman and his team at PPL, the Edinburgh-based
bacterium are allowed. It inhibits frost formation oncompany responsible for Dolly the sheep.
plants. Genentech's tissue plasminogen activator2001:
(tPA), sold as Activase, is approved as a treatmentThe sequence of the human genome is published in
for heart attacks.Science and Nature, making it possible for
1988:researchers all over the world to begin developing
Harvard molecular geneticists Philip Leder and Timothygenetically based treatments for disease.
Stewart awarded the first patent for a genetically2002:
altered animal, a mouse that is highly susceptible toResearchers sequence the DNA of rice, and is the
breast cancerfirst crop to have its genome decoded.
1989:2003:
UC Davis scientists develop a recombinant vaccineThe sequencing of the human genome is completed.
against the deadly rinderpest virus. The human