What was one of the first commercial products made by genetic engineering?

Insulin was one of the first commercial products made through genetic engineering and represents a significant advancement in biotechnology. Prior to its development through genetic engineering, insulin was obtained from animal sources, which posed challenges such as supply limitations and the risk of allergic reactions in humans. The production of human insulin through recombinant DNA technology revolutionized diabetes treatment, allowing for a consistent, safe, and effective supply of insulin that closely mimics the natural hormone produced by the pancreas.

This method involves inserting the gene for human insulin into bacteria, which then produce insulin that can be harvested and purified for medical use. This biotechnological approach not only improved the availability of insulin but also reduced the cost of production, making it more accessible to patients who rely on it for managing diabetes.

In contrast, while antibiotics, vitamins, and hormones have also been produced or modified using biotechnological methods, they were not the pioneering products in the field of genetic engineering in the same way that insulin was. Thus, insulin stands out as the key example in this context.