Atryn

Definition

Atryn is a recombinant form of the human antithrombin protein, used primarily as an anticoagulant therapy for patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency. It is produced using transgenic goats that have been genetically modified to produce human antithrombin in their milk. This process exemplifies how transgenic organisms can be harnessed for medical applications, particularly in the production of therapeutic proteins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atryn was the first drug produced using a transgenic animal and was approved by the FDA in 2009 for patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency.
2. The production of Atryn involves inserting the human antithrombin gene into the genome of goats, allowing them to secrete the protein into their milk.
3. Atryn functions by providing patients with a necessary protein that helps regulate blood clotting, which is crucial during surgeries or pregnancy.
4. The use of transgenic goats for Atryn production significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to traditional methods of protein extraction.
5. Atryn represents a breakthrough in biopharmaceuticals, showcasing how biotechnology can address specific medical needs through innovative solutions.

Review Questions

• How does Atryn illustrate the potential benefits of using transgenic organisms in medicine?
  • Atryn exemplifies the potential benefits of using transgenic organisms by demonstrating how genetic modification can be utilized to produce critical therapeutic proteins. In this case, goats were engineered to produce human antithrombin in their milk, providing an effective treatment option for patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency. This not only addresses a specific medical need but also highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biopharming as a method for drug production.
• Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of transgenic animals like goats for drug production, particularly with Atryn.
  • The use of transgenic animals such as goats in drug production raises several ethical considerations, particularly concerning animal welfare and genetic manipulation. While Atryn provides significant health benefits to patients, it is essential to ensure that the animals used in its production are treated humanely and that their quality of life is not compromised. Additionally, there are broader concerns about the long-term implications of introducing genetically modified organisms into the environment and the potential risks associated with genetic alterations.
• Evaluate how Atryn's development reflects the broader trends in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries regarding transgenic organisms.
  • The development of Atryn reflects broader trends in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, where there is an increasing reliance on transgenic organisms for producing complex therapeutic proteins. As traditional methods of protein production become less efficient or economically viable, biopharming offers innovative solutions that leverage genetic engineering. This shift not only enhances the availability of critical medications but also signifies a growing acceptance of biotechnology's role in addressing health challenges. The success of Atryn can encourage further research and investment into genetically modified organisms as vital contributors to future medical advancements.

Related terms

Transgenic Organisms: Organisms that have been genetically modified to contain genes from other species, enabling them to express new traits or produce specific substances.

Antithrombin: A protein in the blood that helps prevent blood clotting by inhibiting thrombin and other enzymes in the coagulation cascade.

Biopharming: The use of genetically modified plants or animals to produce pharmaceutical substances, including proteins and antibodies, for therapeutic use.