What was one of the first commercial products made by genetic engineering?

Insulin holds a significant place in the history of genetic engineering as it was one of the first commercially produced products derived through recombinant DNA technology. Prior to the advancement of genetic engineering, insulin was extracted from animal sources, primarily pigs and cows, which posed challenges including supply limitations and the potential for allergic reactions in patients.

The development of genetically engineered insulin involved inserting the human gene responsible for insulin production into bacterial cells, allowing these bacteria to synthesize human insulin in large quantities. This breakthrough not only increased the availability of insulin for diabetes treatment but also ensured uniformity and reduced the risk of allergic responses associated with animal-derived insulin.

This early application of genetic engineering showcased the technology's potential to address medical needs and set the foundation for further innovations in biotechnology, leading to the development of other genetically modified products in agriculture and medicine.