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Venture capitalist Robert A. Swanson, biochemist Dr. Herbert W. Boyer (pioneered recombinant DNA technology) founded biotechnology company, Genentech in South San Francisco in one rented building and two staff members
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U.S. Dept of Agriculture scientists turned to recombinant DNA technology, collaborated with scientists from Genentech, a private company; inserted a bioengineered plasmid containing the gene for VP3 into Escherichia coli bacteria which grew obeying orders from the guest DNA, mass-producing the VP3 proteins for the vaccine.
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First genetically engineered vaccine announced: first effective subunit vaccine for any animal or human disease using gene splicing; designed to prevent hoof and mouth disease (FMD)
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marketed First recombinant DNA drug, human insulin (licensed to Eli Lilly and Company)
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received approval from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market first product, Protropin® (somatrem for injection) growth hormone for children with growth hormone deficiency (first recombinant pharmaceutical product manufactured, marketed by biotechnology company)