BIOPHARMING

biopharming: translation

(BY.oh.far.ming)

n.

Growing pharmaceuticals by using genetically modified plants. Also: bio-pharming.

Similar experiments are also taking place in animals. Genetically altered cows and goats can produce milk containing human proteins that can then be separated from the milk and used for therapeutics. But proponents of "biopharming," as the plants-to-drugs experiments are commonly called, note that it is faster and less expensive to plant additional acres of modified tobacco than to produce an additional herd of cows.In addition, drugs made from mammalian cells and animal milk might carry viruses that could affect humans, while plant viruses pose no known risk to people.

— M. E. Malone, "Scientists focus on the tobacco plant as a possible cancer-fighter," The Boston Globe, February 5, 2002

Biopharming, in which genes for pharmacologically active agents are inserted and grown in crops such as potatoes, is another rapidly expanding area.

— Bill Birnbauer, Tania Ewing, "Unlocking the science in science fiction," The Age, August 11, 1993

biohacker

contraceptive corn

crazy tobacco

farmageddon

Frankenfood

functional food

good-for-you bacteria

immunocow

molecular farming

nutraceutical

pharma food

plantibody

transgenic

Biology

Genetics