By Dr. Mercola | Mercola.com

The First Drug Made by Genetically Modified Plants is Approved for Human Use by the FDA

In a dramatic move that shows that the U.S. FDA is softening its stand on bio-pharmed treatments, the agency has approved the countrys first genetically modified plant intended for the treatment of a human disease.

An Israeli firm grew human disease enzymes in carrot cells, and produced a treatment for Gaucher disease that they say shows improvement comparable to a treatment derived from hamster cells. The drug goes by the name Elelyso.

As reported by Popsci, the ability to manipulate the genes of plant cells isnt new, but until now concerns about human biologics have kept them from gaining traction with the FDA. I dont even want to think about the potential ramifications of this decision. Many may not know this, but Monsanto, well-known as the leader in biotechnology and genetically engineered foods, is also invested in the medical industry.

The US FDA has approved the first genetically modified plant intended for the treatment of a human disease. The drug, designed to treat Gaucher disease, contains human enzymes grown in carrot cells.

The approval opens the door for biotech companies such as Monsanto, which also has vested interests in the pharmaceutical industry, to design more drugs created from genetically engineered plants and/or animals.