Modified pigs may produce cancer agent

A Korean company has produced genetically modified pigs that may be able to secrete substances used to treat cancer and leukemia, the first of their kind in Korea. MGenbio Inc., a Seoul-based biotechnology company, and researchers from Chungnam National University have been working with pigs to harvest GM-CSF, a protein that promotes white blood cell production and can be used to treat leukemia and cancer. It is sometimes used in bone marrow transplants. In February, the researchers, led by MGenbio’s chief executive, Park Gwang-wook, injected genes to produce GM-CSF into somatic cells of eight surrogate mother pigs and implanted the genetically modified cells into their wombs. The researchers said yesterday that one of the surrogates produced four piglets last Thursday. Two more pigs are pregnant and another is expected to deliver in September. When the piglets grow up, they are expected to secrete GM-CSF through their excrement or udders. The agent is said to be worth $600,000 per gram. However, Mr. Park said the researchers must conduct clinical tests and receive authorization from the Korea Food & Drug Administration before the process can be commercialized, which Mr. Park said could take up to 15 years. by Park Bang-ju