Genzyme Transgenics Announces First Successful Cloning of
Goats
Press Release of April 26, 1999
Also See: Nature Biotechnology May 1999, P.456
April 26, 1999 / FRAMINGHAM, Mass./ -- Genzyme
Transgenics Corporation (Nasdaq: GZTC), Louisiana State University and
Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine announced in the May issue
of Nature Biotechnology that collaborating scientists from these organizations
produced the world's first cloned transgenic goats. The three healthy,
identical females were born in October and November 1998 at Genzyme Transgenics'
farm in central Massachusetts. The first cloned transgenic goat produces
human antithrombin III (rhATIII) in its milk. Transgenics is the process
of taking DNA from one species and implanting it into the genetic structure
of another. Genzyme Transgenics uses this process in the development and
production of human therapeutics in the milk of animals. "Antithrombin
III is the first transgenically produced protein to be introduced in human
clinical trials and progress to Phase III testing," said Sandra Nusinoff
Lehrman, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Genzyme Transgenics
Corporation. "This successful cloning effort advances our mission to efficiently
produce transgenic biopharmaceuticals with the potential to treat a variety
of important medical illnesses and diseases."
