Farmers are growing genetically modified (GM) crops that contain human genes to produce insulin.
The Canadian firm Sembiosys is growing insulin in the seeds of GM safflower, a seed oil plant, in trials in Chile, the U.S. and Canada. The company claims it will be able to sell a plant-based form of insulin within three years. The plants are able to produce insulin because they have been genetically modified to contain human genes.
The GM industry see this as part of a new wave of plants which could help change public opinion in its favour. Experts already claim to have modified tobacco so it produces a vaccine for cervical cancer. However, green campaigners remain sceptical.
Sembiosys chief executive Andrew Baum said: “Sembiosys believes it will be one of the first - or the first - company to get a plant-based pharmaceutical on the market.”
Insulin is used by diabetics to control their sugar levels and maintain a healthy body.
Mr Baum claims one large