Insulin is now primarily sourced through production in bacteria, although it was initially extracted from animal pancreases.
Here's a breakdown:
Historical Sourcing of Insulin
Initially, insulin was sourced directly from the pancreases of animals, primarily pigs and cows. As mentioned in the provided reference, companies like Lilly used this method.
Modern Sourcing of Insulin
Today, the primary method of insulin production involves using genetically engineered bacteria. This process offers several advantages:
- Increased Purity: Bacterial production leads to a more purified form of insulin, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
- Scalability: Bacteria can be grown in large quantities, allowing for mass production to meet the global demand for insulin.
- Customization: Genetic engineering allows for the creation of different types of insulin that act faster or slower, tailored to individual patient needs.
Therefore, while animal sources were the origin, insulin for diabetes treatment is now predominantly produced in bacteria.
