Overview of the Innovation

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers have achieved the first successful demonstration of producing human insulin using Pseudomonas fluorescens, a safe BSL-1 microorganism.

Leadership and Research Focus

The study was led by Prof. Veeranki Venkata Dasu, who emphasized that creating a novel expression system is key to reducing the cost of insulin production.

Bioprocess Technology Development

The team developed a bioprocess technology using genetic, metabolic, and biochemical engineering approaches.
Unlike conventional processes, the new system allows insulin to be produced in a soluble form, reducing the need for complicated purification steps.

Significance of the Development

This advancement helps to lower production costs and improve efficiency in insulin manufacturing.
The development is significant as diabetes affects over 537 million adults worldwide, and projections indicate that by 2050, one in eight adults will have diabetes.

Global Impact

Insulin remains a life-saving hormone for patients with type 1 diabetes and many with type 2 diabetes, but high production costs make it unaffordable for many.

Broader Applications

The expression system not only supports insulin production but also opens avenues for manufacturing other therapeutic proteins and industrial enzymes.

Potential Benefits

This breakthrough could make insulin more affordable and accessible globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries where diabetes cases are rising rapidly.

Question for Reference

Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): The use of Pseudomonas fluorescens in insulin production can help reduce costs.
Reason (R): The bacterium allows insulin to be produced in a soluble form, reducing the need for complex purification processes.

Which of the following is correct?
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: (a)